Board of Supervisors Budget Workshop 9/8/26

The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop on September 8, 2026, focusing on the proposed budgets for the Police and Fire Departments. The Police Department presented a 6.2% budget increase primarily driven by contractual obligations such as salary, benefits, vehicle leases, and technology costs. They requested funding for four additional officers annually over the next four years to address staffing shortages and retirements, along with capital purchases including a new police vehicle. The Fire Department outlined a significant budget increase to support transitioning to a combination career and volunteer force, including hiring 12 new career firefighters, converting a part-time assistant chief to full-time, and purchasing a new $1.2 million fire pumper truck. Discussions highlighted the challenges of maintaining adequate staffing levels, managing overtime costs, and the importance of mutual aid agreements. The board and public emphasized the critical nature of public safety funding and the need for strategic planning to meet future demands. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after thorough budget deliberations.