Lehigh Township supervisors weigh tax increase as 2026 budget shows nearly $280,000 shortfall

Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors reviewed a draft 2026 budget on Oct. 14 that shows a $279,868 shortfall and prompted debate among supervisors and residents over whether to raise property taxes.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig told the Board the draft adjusts real estate tax revenue to the Aug. 31, 2025 assessed values and assumes the township will receive a COPS grant to partially fund two police officers. "For this draft, it was assumed that the Township would be successful in obtaining the COPS grant for two officers," Rehrig said; the grant was described in the meeting as $125,000 per officer over three years, with an estimated $65,000 per officer included in the 2026 revenue projection.

The budget discussion covered multiple line items. Rehrig said building fund reserves are being used for meeting-room renovations (leaving $63,000), generators for municipal and public works buildings are planned from the Project Fund, and the draft includes an allowance to replace some body-worn cameras and investigate cloud storage options. She also noted an anticipated 17.1% increase in medical insurance costs.

Supervisors and residents pressed for clarity on how to close the gap. Rehrig calculated that 1 mill of tax would generate approximately $279,394, which drew immediate attention: "We can only cut so much, and we need to start working on our roads," Supervisor Cindy Miller said, arguing residents prioritize road repairs over adding staff. Supervisor Janet Sheats echoed that she wants public input before committing to increases.

During public comment, residents urged modest increases to restore services. "I believe it is time to raise taxes and increase police protection to reduce the strain on the department," resident Katherine Mack said, adding that a small increase would be manageable for many taxpayers.

Board members discussed phasing or seeking grant funding for several capital items, including a potential tandem dump truck grant and replacement of crash-mapping equipment used by police. Manager Rehrig offered to prepare budget options with specific items removed or delayed and to revisit figures once additional grant information and insurance renewals are available.

The Board did not adopt a final tax rate or the budget at the Oct. 14 meeting; Rehrig was directed to revise the draft and prepare options for further review.

The Board's next steps are to refine the budget options and present them for further public discussion before any formal vote on tax changes.