Bristol Twp. Holds Line On Taxes With $76.3 Million Budget

Bristol Township is looking to hold the line on taxes for 2026.

The proposed spending plan totals $76.3 million. The budget is broken up with $60.5 million for operations and $15.8 million for capital projects.

The budget keeps the millage rate of 24.98 mills, with no proposed increase.

For an average assessed home, the total annual cost for real estate, refuse and streetlight assessments is $929.85, which breaks down to $77.49 per month, $17.87 per week or $2.55 per day, according to township officials.

The township plans to start 2026 with a fund balance of more than $52 million.

With the 2026 budget presentation, Township Manager Randee Mazur announced the implementation of a new program-based budgeting system.

The system, according to the township manager, replaces the traditional line-item format, connecting expenditures directly to community services and measurable outcomes.

“A budget is built around what we do, not just line items,” Mazur said. “Each program will show what it does, why it matters, what the costs are and what the goals are to achieve.”

The new format will allow the township to track performance metrics and assess the effectiveness of tax dollar spending, Mazur said. Examples include measuring the number of road miles paved, tracking emergency response times, and monitoring efficiency improvements across departments.

File photo Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

The new system was developed with the assistance of an interim finance director before the township recently hired Xiumei Chen as the new finance officer.

The township has worked to stabilize its finances and invest in new programs and projects, including securing more grants, enhancing parks, and upgrading infrastructure, after severe financial challenges more than a decade ago.

A new source of revenue for the township is the recently installed red light camera systems, which are expected to generate $3.4 million.

After the revenue is split between the system operator, Sensys Gatso, PennDOT, and the township, and the township’s costs are factored in, the municipality expects to net $2.8 million from red light violators on Route 13 and Veterans Highway (Route 413).

A Bristol Township police SUV. File photo.

The 2026 spending plan calls for 64 sworn police officers, with the majority assigned to patrol duties. In addition, there are seven civilian non-sworn police employees.

The public works department is budgeted for 27 workers, and Bristol Township Fire Rescue, which includes the fire marshal and emergency management offices, employs 10 firefighters/inspectors.

The township also plans to add several new positions in 2026, including a communication manager, an accountant, a building maintenance supervisor, and an IT technician.

The capital plan for 2026 includes storm sewer improvements, police technology and vehicle upgrades, new equipment for fire companies, improvements to Croydon Park, reopening of the Randall Avenue Bridge, and opening of the new senior center and fire station.