11102026 Council Budget Hearing 1

Bethlehem City Council’s budget hearing on November 11, 2026 reviewed proposed 2027 revenues and expenses for the general fund, debt service, civic expenses, administration, golf course, and water and sewer funds. The city described a combined budget of nearly $250 million and proposed a 2.9% property-tax increase. General-fund discussion included a proposed recycling-fee increase from $2.7 million to about $3.4 million to cover program costs; the existing curbside recycling contract costs about $2.1 million and has roughly two years remaining. The city also noted a $150,000 payment to Moravian College for World Heritage site management and said bids were expected for work on a structurally unsound golf-course barn. No contract award or spending-related vote was reported.

Water-fund plans included $4.6 million for capital work and a $3 million lease payment to the Bethlehem Authority to support future water capital needs, funded in part by drawing down reserves. Projects discussed included lead-service-line work, a replacement water-storage tank, additional meters, and cured-in-place sewer-pipe rehabilitation. The department plans to file a water-rate case with the PUC in 2027, with rates expected to take effect in 2028. Council also discussed future grease-interceptor requirements for restaurants, anticipated after public education, and potential renewable-energy options. No vendor was selected for the customer-access tools discussed; staff said they were working with existing vendors. The hearing concluded without recorded budget amendments or procurement approvals.