Upper Mount Bethel approves balanced $5,488,075 2026 budget; police feasibility to be explored

The Upper Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors approved a balanced 2026 budget totaling $5,488,075 and voted 4-0 to adopt the plan during its Dec. 29 end‑of‑year meeting.

Township Manager Graziano told the board that "the budget has to be approved by December 31st." The budget was presented as balanced with no proposed tax increase. Supervisor Friedman moved to approve the budget; Supervisor Albert seconded and the board voted unanimously 4-0 to adopt it.

The budget discussion included questions from residents about whether the township should move forward with creating a police department. Ron Angle asked why the township would proceed unless it was certain a department would be established, noting potential costs compared with relying on the State Police. Rich Klingle raised specific cost concerns including paying back pay to former officers, pension obligations and liability insurance. Graziano responded that the township is only "looking into a part‑time police department, not a full‑time police department," that "right now $59 an hour is what is being negotiated," and that no contract has yet been presented to East Bangor Council.

The board recorded plans to hold a town hall to gather resident input and a separate police feasibility discussion scheduled for February. The vote to approve the 2026 budget was recorded as 4-0 in favor.