County government begins budgeting process amid federal funding uncertainty

Bucks County officials have begun the 2026 budgeting process with an eye on potential losses in federal funding.

Bucks County Chief Operating Officer Margaret McKevitt announced the start of the process during a commissioners’ meeting last month.

“We will be looking closely at federal funding losses, potential federal funding losses, and primarily funding through from the federal government, through the state to the county, because that is a large portion of our funding,” McKevitt said.

The county relies on federal funding for several departments and programs, including human services, public health, housing, and public safety. Elected row officers also use federal funds and grants for some programs. 

The 2025 county budget was just under $500 million, with an additional $226 million flowing through the government from state and federal programs.

The Bucks County Commissioners – two Democrats and a Republican – approved the 2025 without hiking taxes. 

According to county Communications Director Eric Nagy, the county’s budget has not experienced funding losses in 2025, but there is uncertainty for the coming year. 

Members of Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration have pledged to cut federal spending.

McKevitt thanked Interim Finance Director Jeannette Weaver for guiding the process, noting that budget preparation involves collaborating with staff across all county departments, row offices, and courts.

The announcement follows the retirement of longtime Chief Financial Officer Dave Boscola, who ended more than 30 years of public service earlier this summer. 

McKevitt and the commissioners previously thanked Boscola for his service.