Questions Raised Over Morrisville’s Police Department Funding

MORRISVILLE BOROUGH, PA — The borough's newly-elected council members are raising concerns about Morrisville Borough’s adopted 2026 budget, especially for funding the police department.

Morrisville’s Your Voice Caucus stated in a press release on Thursday that overall spending is being reduced by over $600,000, and includes changes affecting police compensation and other fixed Borough obligations.

The group is represented by Borough Council members Debby Colgan, Peggy Walsh, Anna Langer, and Shawn Ratti.

Morrisville’s Your Voice Caucus argues that the municipal budget reduces police salaries by $90,000.

The issue will be discussed at the Morrisville Borough Council meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20.

The Morrisville Police contract expired on Dec. 31, and no new agreement has been announced.

If a contract is not reached, the group says that the borough may be required to proceed to binding arbitration, a process that can result in higher compensation awards and legal costs that exceed original budget assumptions.

Morrisville officers patrol a borough with ongoing public safety demands, including increasing
domestic violence calls and significant traffic volume, the group said.

Delaware River Bridge Commission data shows that over 88,000 vehicles crossed Morrisville’s three bridges daily in 2024. The unique demands of the Borough require experienced and stable staffing levels, the council members said.

The group argues that Morrisville already has one of the lowest starting police salaries in Lower Bucks County.

Countywide, there are currently 74 open police positions, many offering higher pay and benefits.

While part-time officers remain on the roster, their availability is extremely limited.

"While the Morrisville Police Department has done an admirable job with the unique challenges of our Borough, the Your Voice Caucus warns that recruitment and retention will become more
challenging under the current budget," the group said.

Beyond public safety, the 2026 budget does not fully account for several fixed and foreseeable
obligations. These include scheduled debt service payments, public works staffing needs, routine
maintenance of borough facilities, and ongoing infrastructure costs.

The current post-adoption window is the Borough’s only opportunity to address these obligations before the budget is locked in for the year.

Members of the Your Voice Caucus are asking Borough Council to reopen the 2026 budget.

These newly elected council members recommend a more gradual reduction of millage that will allow the borough to provide taxpayer relief while ensuring the Borough can address labor negotiations, staffing levels, debt obligations, and operational needs in a more deliberate and responsible manner.