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York Today
By the People, for the People
York County Historical Association Seeks Tax Funding for Preservation
Nonprofit asks voters to approve small property tax increase to support operations and programming at new downtown location.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:04am
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The York County Historical Association (YCHA) is asking voters in the May 12 primary election to approve a small property tax increase that would generate around $30,000 annually to help fund the organization's operations, preservation efforts, and programming at its new downtown location in the historic Chapman Building. After being based at the York County Fairgrounds for over 40 years, the YCHA was asked by the county to find a new home in 2025, leading to the move to the more accessible and visible downtown site.
Why it matters
The YCHA has played a vital role in preserving the history and stories of York County for over 50 years, but the move to a new location has come with increased costs that the organization is struggling to cover. Without the requested tax funding, the YCHA fears it may have to cease operations, which would be a major loss for the community's historical preservation efforts.
The details
Last year, the YCHA requested $30,000 in county funding to help cover basic operating and preservation expenses associated with the move, but state statutes only allowed a 2.5% increase from the previous very low allocation, leaving the organization underfunded. The proposed tax increase would amount to just $0.62 per $100,000 of property valuation, a small price that the YCHA says is essential to its continued existence.
- The York County Historical Association has existed since 1969.
- In 2025, the county asked the YCHA to find a new location, leading to the move to the historic Chapman Building downtown.
- The YCHA made a request for $30,000 in county funding in 2025, but could only get a 2.5% increase due to state statutes.
- The tax increase request will be on the May 12, 2026 primary election ballot in York County.
The players
York County Historical Association
A nonprofit organization that has existed since 1969 with the purpose of preserving and telling the stories of York County and its people.
York County Board of Commissioners
The county government body that approved the YCHA's funding request but was limited in the amount they could allocate due to state laws.
What’s next
If the tax increase is approved by York County voters on May 12, the additional funding will allow the YCHA to continue its operations and preservation efforts at the new downtown location.
The takeaway
The York County Historical Association's request for a small property tax increase represents an important opportunity for the community to support the preservation of local history and heritage. Without this funding, the organization's ability to fulfill its mission will be severely threatened.
