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Last indexed Apr 12, 2026
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The Township of Bethlehem's 2026 budget assumptions, effective December 15, 2025, include wage increases for unionized employees (3.00–4.00%) and non-bargaining staff (4.00%), a 20% medical insurance rate increase, and open positions in the Police Department (2 officers) and Public Works (2 truck drivers). The budget proposes no increases to the township millage rate or sewer billing rates, though a 10% stormwater fee increase is proposed, with the total property tax millage across county, school, and township combined at 82.01 mills. Public hearings were scheduled for October and November 2025, with budget adoption set for December 15, 2025.
AI summary
As of October 18, 2024, the Township of Bethlehem presented its 2025 budget assumptions to the Board of Commissioners, incorporating wage increases across multiple employee groups (ranging from 3.0% to 5.9%, with medical costs rising 17.7% and pension obligations increasing 55.57%), hiring two new police officers and two truck drivers, and proposing no increases to the millage rate, sewer billing rate, or stormwater fees. The budget includes a tentative hearing schedule spanning October through December 2024, with department-specific budget reviews scheduled for late October and early November, culminating in budget adoption on December 16th.
AI summary
The Township of Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA adopted its 2025 budget as of December 16, 2024, encompassing multiple funds including General, Sewer, Liquid Fuels, Capital Reserve, Fire Tax, and Stormwater funds. General Fund revenue is projected at $16.88 million in taxes, with earned income tax increasing from $5.73 million (2024) to $6.15 million (2025), while real estate transfer tax remains flat at $1.275 million; licenses and permits revenue is budgeted at $628,500, down from $712,500 in 2024. The budget document provides detailed revenue and expenditure summaries and line-item details across all fund sections, with allocations for capital reserves, public works, and stormwater management.
AI summary
The Township of Bethlehem's 2025 Budget Draft, as of October 18, 2024, presents a comprehensive financial plan across multiple funds including the General Fund, Sewer Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, Capital Reserve Fund, Fire Tax Fund, and Stormwater Fund. General Fund revenues total $16.88 million, with earned income tax ($6.15 million), real estate tax ($7.23 million), and real estate transfer tax ($1.275 million) comprising the largest sources. The budget document outlines detailed revenue and expenditure summaries for all funds, with expenditure details and minor equipment allocations included for each major fund category.
AI summary
The Township of Bethlehem adopted its 2023 budget on December 19, 2022, encompassing six funds: General Fund, Sewer Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, Capital Reserve Fund, Fire Tax Fund, and Stormwater Fund. The General Fund revenue totaled $15,976,510, with taxes comprising $15,976,510 (up from $14,868,246 in 2022), including significant increases in earned income tax ($5,450,000), real estate transfer tax ($1,275,000), and amusement tax ($51,000). Licenses and permits revenue was budgeted at $841,700, reflecting increases in electrical permit revenue and other permit categories compared to the prior year.
AI summary