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Last indexed Apr 12, 2026
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Bethlehem Township's governance focus centers on fiscal stability and infrastructure investment amid rising operational costs. Key recurring themes include personnel expenses—with consistent wage increases (3–5.9%), recruitment challenges in police and public works, and escalating medical insurance costs (17.7–20% increases)—reflecting broader workforce pressures. The township maintains a cautious revenue approach, declining to raise millage or sewer rates while proposing selective fee increases (10% stormwater), and demonstrates diversified revenue streams anchored in earned income tax ($6.15 million) and real estate tax ($7.23 million). Notable initiatives include an Active Transportation Plan to expand multi-use paths and sidewalks, traffic safety improvements, and continued stormwater management planning, suggesting a shift toward quality-of-life amenities alongside core services. Overall, the township balances constrained finances with targeted investments in public infrastructure and community mobility.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 1 JULY 12, 2018 BETHLEHEM AUTHORITY
The Bethlehem Authority Board of Directors held its regular meeting on July 12, 2018, during which the Executive Director reported on two major projects: the Atlantic Wind wind energy project, which involves two ongoing zoning applications at Carbon County Courthouse with hearings and appeals processes underway, and the PennEast Pipeline project, where approximately 80% of affected properties have reached settlement agreements. Additionally, the board discussed forest management activities, with timber contractors expected to begin timbering projects at Long Pond and Wild Creek before the end of July.
Regular Meeting Minutes 1 May 11, 2017 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
The Bethlehem Authority Board of Directors held its regular meeting on May 11, 2017, where it approved minutes from the previous meeting and discussed forestry management initiatives. The Executive Director reported that over 900 acres were sprayed for gypsy moths and that carbon credit revenue would be approximately $100,000, substantially below the $225,000 projection due to unexpected timbering activity in monitored plots affecting carbon calculations. The Board also noted the lack of recent communication from PennEast regarding a previously submitted engineering report.
Last 12 months
AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, February 12, 2026 @ 5:00 pm Town Hall
Feb 12, 2026
Latest minutesREGULAR MEETING MINUTES 1 JULY 12, 2018 BETHLEHEM AUTHORITY
Jul 12, 2018
Latest budgetTOWNSHIP OF BETHLEHEM 2026 BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
Latest otherBethlehem-Pa.gov
Bethlehem Township Active Transportation Plan Steering Committee Meeting #1
Bethlehem Township held the first meeting of its Active Transportation Plan Steering Committee on January 23, 2023, to develop a comprehensive plan for walking, biking, and rolling transportation initiatives. The project, funded by a $27,500 WalkWorks Grant (with $42,500 total cost), aims to be completed by September 29, 2023, and will measure success through linear miles of multi-use paths and sidewalks, connected destinations, and enhanced sites. The steering committee will guide the planning process across eight tasks over nine months, including community engagement, policy development, and implementation strategies, with three scheduled committee meetings and public outreach components.