Residents of Bristol Township can look forward no real estate tax increase in the coming year.
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Bristol Township Council last week approved a $68.3 million budget that maintains the current tax rate of 23.980 mills, with the average property owner paying approximately $830 in real estate taxes in 2024.
The approved budget marks a continuation of the township not raising real estate taxes since 2010, according to Township Manager Randee Elton.
Credit: Bristol Township
The 2024 budget includes significant allocations for operational costs, amounting to $28 million, and an investment of $9.8 million in capital acquisitions and infrastructure improvements.
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The township has managed to keep the trash and recycling fee unchanged at $340 per year. The township’s waste costs went up, but the new contract with Waste Management came in lower than anticipated.
The council voted to eliminate the $10 per capita head tax in 2024.
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Council President Craig Bowen noted that this tax has been a frequent source of complaints from the community.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Despite the elimination of this tax, its impact on the township’s budget is anticipated to be minimal, as the township only received $5 for each $10 paid.
The 2024 budget reflects a modest 2 percent increase in general fund spending over the previous year.
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Officials have said the increase in spending is primarily driven by rising personnel expenses and contractual obligations.
Financial Officer Francis Phillips, in a memo recently, highlighted the challenges posed by escalating employee costs and recent inflationary pressures.
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One notable expense is the cost of health care for retired police officers, which Elton pointed out is higher than what the township pays for its current department.
Despite budgeting challenges, Elton emphasized the budget’s focus on maintaining high service levels, with increased staffing in administration, police, public works, and recreation, as well as infrastructure improvements.
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The township is also bracing for the end of federal COVID-19 relief funds in 2024. The funds will continue to be utilized for sanitary sewer improvements.
In the approved budget, Bristol Township Fire Rescue, which expanded to eight full-time firefighters in 2023, will maintain its staffing and service levels in 2024.
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The budget outlines comprehensive capital projects, including the completion of the Croydon sewer plant improvements, development of a new parks and recreation facility, construction of a new fire station, park upgrades, procurement of new vehicles for various departments, enhanced security for the township’s IT infrastructure, and improvements to stormwater management, road paving, and traffic systems.
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