Bethlehem Township’s 2025 proposed budget holds the line on taxes

BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — The township budget outlook for next year shows no increase in real estate tax, fire tax, sewer fees, stormwater charges and no new borrowing against the general fund.

“It’s a balanced budget, and we are projecting an ending balance of 33 percent at the end of 2025, which is very good,” Bethlehem Township Manager Doug Bruce said at a township budget hearing Thursday.

But officials said taxpayers could end up facing an increase in stormwater fees come 2026.

The township will have two more budget hearings, Oct. 29 and Nov. 7, both starting at 6 p.m.

A brief look at the numbers

Some general numbers from the incoming year’s proposed budget, which currently balances revenues and expenses at $21.8 million, include:

• Four new full-time positions — two in the police department and two for public works. If approved, it would make for 99 total township employees, the highest in its history
• Expenses and revenues both up about 4.3% from last year’s projections, though the township faces several major cost increases across the board
• “A remarkable financial turnaround” for the township community center, with next year’s revenues projected at $1.12 million 
• A new staff vehicle for the community center, costing $45,000
• Proposing a 3.5% salary increase for non-union, full-time employees at BTCC 
• Almost $700,000 more for employee pensions, based on stock market losses
• Health insurance premium going up 18%, or $400,000, because of “unusually high” insurance claims 
• $425,000 to pave roads at Riverview Estates and Overlook Estates
• $250,000 to cover the design of a potential, new Public Works facility on Hope Road
• $255,000 for three new police patrol cars, and $101,000 for a police supervisor’s vehicle
• $106,000 to renovate the men’s locker room in the police department
• The fire tax fund, which brings in about $150,000 annually, is “not in great shape” because three new fire trucks were bought each year from 2023-25
• 5.5% rise in the township library services fee 

'Do more with less'

The community center reportedly has faced quite a significant drop in revenues in recent years due to the COVID pandemic, but that number is just about back to evening out, officials said.

“Do more with less is the motto,” said Jackie Bittel, community center director.

As for township police, the presented budget “reflects the department’s current needs and will support our public safety, crime prevention and investigation mission,” Chief Gregory Gotschall said.

“Hiring in new police officers and meeting the training needs of newer and less experienced officers continues to be a top priority for us.”

Police officials said staff currently is needed on the night shift, though supervisors are making adjustments in the meantime to make do with four shifts instead of the previous five.