BETHLEHEM TWP. Pa. — A hike in the township’s fire services tax, approved Monday, is projected to triple associated revenue and allow volunteer fire companies to buy new trucks.
According to township officials, the rate hike of 0.15 of a mill to 0.45 of a mill will result in roughly a $30 increase in tax per household.
The new-year budget holds the real estate millage rate steady at 7.59 mills.
While, according to Bethlehem Township officials, the rate hike of 0.15 of a mill to 0.45 of a mill will result in roughly a $30 increase in tax per household, the new-year budget holds the real estate millage rate steady at 7.59 mills.Bethlehem Township officials Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
The budget motion passed 3-1-1, with Commissioner President John Merhottein dissenting and Commissioner Matthew Deckman abstaining.
Deckman also was sworn in on Monday, filling an empty seat left by departing Commissioner Jan Beatty. Beatty represented the township’s Second Ward, and would have been up for re-election in 2026.
3 trucks, 3 years
The township planned to replace three firetrucks for use by Bethlehem Township and Nancy Run fire companies from 2023-28.
It ultimately had to fast-track that schedule the past two years with 1,000-day delivery windows at hand and lifetime of the current trucks to keep in mind.
With the township initially projecting about $143,000 in total fire tax revenue under the previous millage rate, the new approval would instead have the fund bringing in about $429,000.
That will let the township avoid dipping into cash reserves to facilitate the truck purchases, Township Manager Doug Bruce said Friday.
About $1.8 million in associated truck payments will be due in 2026-28, considering potential delivery wait times.Bethlehem Township officials on the increase in fire service tax
One truck for NRFC, bought in 2023, was covered with a 50% down payment from the fire services fund. And this year, the township bought another for NRFC, with the 50% down payment coming from the township general fund due to insufficient fire funds.
A new truck for BTFC is planned for purchase come February. Its estimated $600,000 down payment is planned to come from fire tax revenue, according to Bruce.
About $1.8 million in associated truck payments will be due in 2026-28, considering potential delivery wait times.
The new-year budget also makes room for two new police officers and two new Public Works employees, three new police patrol cars and a new police supervisor’s vehicle, and road paving work at Riverview Estates and Overlook Estates.
A quarter-million dollars is set aside to cover the design of a possible new Public Works facility on Hope Road.
Officials have warned that a rise in stormwater fees could be on the horizon for 2026.
