BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Township commissioners on Monday voted unanimously to advertise a proposed new-year budget showing no increases in property taxes or stormwater fees.
However, it would come with a special-purpose rate increase for fire services.
Commissioner Michael Hudak was absent. Commissioners' Chairman John Merhottein said the township is accepting applications for someone to replace former Commissioner Jan Beatty, who stepped down from the five-person board at the last meeting.
As proposed, Bethlehem Township's new-year budget would come with a 0.3-mill rise in fire tax — jumping from 0.15 of a mill to 0.45 of a mill. 2025 also would mark the last year of the township's pledge to not raise stormwater fees.
As proposed, the 2025 budget comes with a 0.3-mill rise in fire tax — jumping from 0.15 of a mill to 0.45 of a mill. The increase amounts to $30 more — $45 a year — for every $100,000 of a property's assessed value.
At another budget discussion in October, Township Manager Doug Bruce said the fire services fund was “not in great shape” considering the purchase of three new fire trucks for the township from 2023-25. He also mentioned the shortfall during last year’s budget discussion.
Two volunteer fire companies serve the township — Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company and Nancy Run Fire Company.
With the general-purpose real estate tax rate remaining at 7.59 mills under the new spending plan, the owner of a home with a $200,000 tax assessment would pay about $1,600 in property fees to the township.
And come 2025, the township will be in the last year of a four-year pledge to hold the line on stormwater fees, officials said.
Some general numbers
A broader look at the budget shows over $29 million in the general fund, $21.78 million in total expenditures, $16.88 million in tax revenue and $10.87 million in public safety investments.
Among those investments, the township looks to hire two full-time police officers, buy three new patrol cars and a supervisor vehicle and renovate the men’s locker room in the department.
“No new borrowing proposed to fund these capital projects. We seek out all grants we can.”Bethlehem Township Finance Director Andrew Freda
Some of the township’s proposed $3.13 million in capital expenses include $250,000 for the design of a potential new Public Works facility along Hope Road; $110,000 to replace a 20-year-old chipper; and $20,000 to convert the old tennis court at 14th Street Park into two pickleball courts.
“No new borrowing proposed to fund these capital projects,” said Township Finance Director Andrew Freda. “We seek out all grants we can.”
Township officials also project a zero-sum sewer revenue fund at $6.75 million; $1.29 million in debt service; $628,500 in licenses and permits; and $96,500 for fines, forfeits and penalties.
The township plans to vote on the final budget Dec. 16.
