Nov 4, 2026 Committee meeting & Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Lower Merion Township Fire, Police, and Governance and Administration Committee meetings, followed by a special Board of Commissioners meeting, were held November 4, 2026. Fire officials presented rising operating costs, volunteer staffing pressures, and a request for a 3% increase in township appropriations ($77,476) to address a funding gap, plus one additional paid firefighter at each of six township-funded fire companies at about $98,000 per firefighter. These requests prompted discussion but were not acted on. The Fire Committee unanimously recommended an amendment to the apparatus replacement policy: order a squad pumper for delivery around 2030, sell the existing 2019 engine upon delivery, retain the 2005 rescue truck until a personnel carrier is received, and schedule replacement of a 2018 quint ladder truck in 2038. No vendor or purchase price was identified, and the transcript does not show final Board action on this recommendation.

The Board approved a proposed four-year collective bargaining agreement with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 28 for 2027–2030 by a 13–1 vote. It provides 2% wage increases each January and July, adjusts field-training officer compensation and benefits, and gradually increases officers’ medical-plan contributions from 4% to 6%; the agreement also raises annual education reimbursement to up to $3,500. The Board also authorized a conditional offer for one police officer by a 13–1 vote and unanimously approved a one-day suspension for another officer. No vendor contract award or other procurement selection was identified.