Newtown Twp. Unveils 2026 Budget: What You Need To Know

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Taxpayers in Newtown Township are looking at a proposed four-mill tax increase next year to fund the increasing cost of emergency services.

During a meeting Wednesday night, township manager Micah Lewis unveiled a draft budget for 2026 to pay for township services, including police, fire, administration, and public works.

The draft budget is calling for a three mill increase for fire services and a one mill increase for the emergency medical services next year.

The increase would equate to a $157 a year increase in the municipal tax bill or $13 a month on a home assessed at $39,000, the average property assessment in the township.

According to Lewis, the budget sets aside money for the hiring a full-time IT director and a part-time Human Resources Director. The budget also restores a $350,000 line item for road work.

Under the fire protection fund, the budget contemplates a contribution to the Newtown Fire Association of $285,000 and a contribution to the fire capital fund of $660,000 for future capital purchases. The township recently hired two additional firefighters, bringing, the total number of paid firefighters to 14.

“A tax increase of three mills of real estate tax is proposed in next year’s budget,” said Lewis, as the township continues to transition from a volunteer crew to a paid, full-time staff.

A tax increase of one mill is also proposed to fund the Newtown Emergency Medical Services. That will bring the total millage for the rescue squad to two mills.

Newtown EMS is asking all of its municipalities to increase their financial contribution next year to pay for a number of capital purchases and projects not eligible for reimbursement, including replacement of heart monitors, installation of a new HVAC system, and two new ambulances.

The recreation fund, historically paid for through developer contributions, has been spent down, said Lewis. “We’re proposing a transfer of $450,000 to the park and rec fund from the general fund to offset the revenue losses," he said.

Under Highway Aid and Road Improvement, the budget allocates funds for the purchase of a new dump truck, the cost of structural repairs to the South Drive Bridge, and $900,000 to repave 1.85 miles of roads.

Following Lewis’s presentation, the supervisors voted to advertise the spending plan for preliminary adoption on Nov. 12, with final adoption scheduled for Dec. 10. A draft budget is available for public review on the township’s website.