Lock Haven holds public hearing on proposed 2026 budget; airport, development and parks present plans

Lock Haven held a public hearing on its proposed 2026 budget, hearing reports from the airport, community and economic development, and parks and public works staff. Presenters told the council the recommended budget was balanced at the department level and identified several capital projects and grant efforts that will affect next year’s spending.

Airport staff said the field averages about 2,000 takeoffs and landings annually and that roughly 60% of its expenses go to debt service for past improvements. The airport reported receiving Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act grants, including approximately $142,000 toward a self-fueling station and roughly $200,000 for access road and visitor parking rehabilitation; a separate grant will cover about 90% of a perimeter security fence. Staff said the airport has sufficient Avgas on hand and did not budget for additional jet fuel purchases in 2026 unless usage rises.

City planner and development coordinator Abby Roberts summarized department accomplishments and near-term work tied to the city’s comprehensive plan. Roberts said staff applied for just under $33 million in grant funding across community development and infrastructure programs, noted the city adopted an active transportation plan, and said the zoning update is on track to come before council for consideration around mid-2026. Roberts also reported completion of 78 plan action items in 2025 and described ongoing coordination with the university on campus-area projects.

Project manager Carter outlined capital projects: 2025 closings included Hope Room Park phases 1–2, Sunset Pines phase 3a and several small projects; major projects planned for 2026 include a new police building, Main Street restrooms, multiple street paving efforts and the Yamnale well field project.

Staff updated the council on a private solar project (referred to in the record as Tangent), saying the developer is implementing an inverter change to meet new federal tax-credit rules and is awaiting approval from PPL before closing with its long-term financial partner. Construction was described as targeted to begin in late winter 2026 with commercial operation later that year.

Council and residents raised operational questions during the hearing: one resident asked about dark lighting under the Walnut Street underpass and was told the issue likely falls under a shared-cost arrangement with PennDOT and the county; council also discussed downtown benches and repeated volunteer cleanups to address litter.

The hearing provided the council with updates across departments but recorded no amended budget action during the meeting; staff indicated some grant awards and contracting decisions remain pending and could affect reimbursement timelines in 2026.