Lehigh Township supervisors confront $223,000 2026 budget shortfall and split over police hires

Lehigh Township Manager Alice Rehrig reported on Oct. 28 that the proposed 2026 budget shows a $223,000 shortfall driven by capital projects, additional staffing and roadwork. "There still is a shortfall of $223,000," Rehrig said, laying out the fiscal gap the board must close before year-end adoption.

The shortfall prompted a split among supervisors over revenue versus spending cuts. "We have reached the point where we need to add revenue," said Supervisor Cindy Miller, arguing that the township has held taxes steady for 11 years and needs new revenue to fund roads. Several other supervisors, including Jerry Pritchard, pushed back, saying departments and prior one-time expenses should be reviewed first.

Police staffing became the meeting’s central point of contention. The township is considering applying for a federal COPS grant that, if awarded, would subsidize new officers’ salaries over three years. Manager Rehrig told the board the grant would provide the equivalent of $125,000 per officer spread across three years and that the township budgeted $65,000 per officer for 2026, dropping to $45,000 in 2027 and $20,000 in 2028. "In three years we have to pay the entire amount," Supervisor Cindy Miller warned.

Supporters of hiring said an additional officer would reduce chronic overtime and staffing gaps. "One extra officer would be beneficial to fill in the gaps when there is a long term absence," Supervisor Janet Sheats said, noting the department has not had full staffing in about a decade and officers have been working frequent overtime.

Opponents argued the department should be restored to the sanctioned 12 officers before adding positions. Supervisor Jerry Pritchard said he prefers running one year with 12 officers to assess needs before approving more hires. The board also discussed operational needs tied to hires, such as body cameras and other equipment, and heard a cost estimate: Manager Rehrig said the full up-front cost to hire an officer — salary, radio and equipment — is about $144,000.

Public commenters pressed both sides. Local resident Zach Szoke said paying more in taxes would be acceptable if it stabilizes staffing: "If it takes raising his taxes to pay so we can get to 12 people who want to come to work, then raise his taxes," Szoke said. Resident John Knobloch suggested pursuing federal and state grant avenues for vehicles and other needs, while Rehrig noted the current COPS program covers salaries only.

Next steps: the township must adopt the final 2026 budget by year-end; Manager Rehrig said the budget requires a 20-day advertisement period before adoption. The board signaled it will finalize revenue and staffing decisions at an upcoming meeting or by a special December session if necessary.