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Morrisville council narrowly agrees to reopen 2026 budget after heated debate over police funding
Summary
After hours of debate and public comment, Morrisville Borough Council voted to reopen and amend the 2026 budget under borough code section 13.11 to allow a 10‑day public inspection and potential adoption by Feb. 15, 2026; the motion passed after a 7–1 vote amid disagreement over police salary reductions and a recent 10‑mill tax adjustment.
Morrisville Borough Council voted 7–1 on Jan. 20 to reopen the borough’s 2026 budget for public inspection and possible amendment under section 13.11 of the borough code, setting a timeline intended to allow the amendments to be adopted by Feb. 15, 2026.
The motion was prompted by concerns from several council members and residents about proposed changes affecting the police budget. One council member told colleagues, “I’m very concerned about the reduction of police salaries of $92,000,” arguing that the change could weaken staffing and public safety preparedness. The chief of police described recruitment challenges and staffing shortfalls, saying recruitment “is down all over the nation” and the borough “would certainly benefit from increased staffing levels.”
Supporters of reopening the budget said the move would give the public time to inspect proposed changes and give council the chance to discuss adjustments ahead of looming collective bargaining negotiations. Opponents argued the budget as presented was balanced and that the borough manager and chief had already accounted for personnel needs. One council member responded to the $92,000 framing, saying those figures reflected current staffing and salary-step timing rather than an immediate cut: “That $92,000…we’re not cutting from the police department. It’s a savings this year.”
Public commenters urged caution and greater transparency. A young resident described recent crimes near her home and asked the council to “prioritize our community and officer safety” by reopening and discussing the budget. Another resident raised a procedural caution about adding items to the meeting agenda and invoked Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act when calling for clarity on the public’s opportunity to comment.
Procedural context: the motion to amend included a 10‑day public inspection requirement before any final vote on an amended budget, consistent with the borough code language cited by council members. Council also discussed the effect of a recently enacted 10‑mill adjustment; borough staff said that change was intended to reduce tax burden for some residents while preserving long‑term fiscal balance.
What’s next: The borough manager will publish the amended budget for a 10‑day inspection period and staff said they expect any final action on amendments to occur no later than Feb. 15, 2026. The council and manager also signaled they will continue conversations about police staffing and debt-management options in the weeks before the adoption deadline.
