The Big Takeaway
The Bensalem Township School Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday night to declare its Intent to Adopt the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27.
This vote does not finalize next year’s budget — but it officially begins the Act 1 process, including whether the district will seek exceptions to exceed the state’s property tax index.
Also on the agenda: formal selection of Reynolds Energy Services (SitelogIQ) as the district’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) provider.
What “Preliminary Budget” Means
Under Pennsylvania’s Act 1 timeline, school districts must adopt a preliminary budget in February if they intend to:
- Raise property taxes up to the state index
- Or apply for Act 1 exceptions to exceed that limit
The preliminary budget sets a starting framework for:
- Revenue projections
- Expenditure estimates
- Staffing assumptions
- State funding expectations
The final budget is not adopted until June.
Act 1 Exceptions
The agenda includes a specific item for Act 1 Exceptions.
Act 1 exceptions allow districts to request permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to exceed the annual property tax index for specific cost drivers, such as:
- Special education expenditures
- Pension obligations (PSERS)
- Certain debt service costs
Approval of exceptions does not automatically mean taxes will increase beyond the index — it allows the district the legal flexibility to do so if needed during final budget adoption.
Energy Services Contract (GESA)
The Board will also consider a motion to formally approve and select:
Reynolds Energy Services, Inc. (SitelogIQ Energy Services)
as the district’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act provider.
Under a GESA agreement, an energy services company:
- Designs and implements energy-saving infrastructure upgrades
- Guarantees energy cost savings over time
- Uses projected savings to offset project costs
The district previously discussed HVAC and mechanical upgrades at Benjamin Rush Elementary and Belmont Hills Elementary.
Formal approval at this meeting would advance that process.
Public Comment
As with all board meetings, public comment will be available, with a three-minute limit per speaker.
Given the focus on taxes and long-term capital planning, public input is expected.
Why This Meeting Matters
February’s preliminary budget vote sets the financial framework for the 2026–27 school year.
While numbers may shift between now and June, this meeting:
- Establishes the district’s budget direction
- Signals whether tax flexibility will be sought
- Moves forward major infrastructure planning
The final budget — and any property tax decisions — will come later this spring.
Note: This preview is based on the official “Intent to Adopt the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27 Agenda”
