The Big Story:
Council Debates Reopening 2026 Budget for “Fiscal Stability”
The Bensalem Township Council held an extensive discussion regarding a potential reopening of the 2026 budget to address what officials called a “downward trend” in the general fund. While a projected $14 million deficit was characterized as a “paper deficit” due to accounting timing, Council President Edward Tokmajian and Councilman Jesse Sloan expressed concern that the general fund balance is projected to drop to $8.9 million by the end of 2026, down from $31 million in 2022.
The council reached a compromise with the Mayor’s administration to avoid a full budget overhaul immediately. The administration agreed to two new “guardrails”: starting quarterly public budget updates to track spending against projections, and allowing the Council to review and weigh in on collective bargaining agreements (union contracts) before they are finalized. These contracts currently account for approximately 73% of the township’s $65 million operating budget.
What Else Happened:
- Contractor Safety Standards: Council reviewed updates to the Responsible Contractor Ordinance (RCO) that would require at least 70% of workers on large township projects ($150k+) to be highly trained “journeymen” or registered apprentices. The new rules also mandate OSHA safety training for all craft employees on-site.
- EV Charging Challenges: Officials discussed the growing need for electric vehicle (EV) chargers in “non-HOA” neighborhoods like Berkeley Trace and the Coves, where residents often lack private garages and have resorted to running hazardous extension cords across public sidewalks.
- Grant Exploration: The township will work with the Bucks County Planning Commission to seek federal and state grants to install public charging stations, potentially in public parks or township-owned spaces, to avoid the high costs of electrical infrastructure.
- Auditor Resignation: Council formally accepted the resignation of elected auditor Dominic Webster. The township will post a public notice for residents interested in filling the vacancy, with a vote expected in February.
- Phishing Scam Warning: Administration warned residents about a “phishing” scam where fraudulent invoices for building and planning fees are being emailed to individuals who have appeared before the Zoning Hearing Board.
What It Means for You:
You can expect more transparency regarding how your tax dollars are spent through new quarterly public reports. Additionally, the township is looking into ways to provide EV charging for residents in townhomes without raising taxes or creating tripping hazards on your local sidewalks.
Next Meeting: The next Council meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026.
