Key Takeaways from the February 11, 2026 Newtown BOS Meeting
Bridges, budgets, and the “50-year chill” — a meeting that mixed routine governance with high-stakes local controversies.
The Fire Service Standoff: $275,000 vs. Zero
One of the most consequential developments discussed was the ongoing fire service agreement impasse with the Borough. The core issue: a previously negotiated $275,000 agreement (already baked into the Borough’s budget) was followed by the Township increasing its demand to $350,000 — and the breakdown has left the Township receiving zero dollars while coverage remains in a lapsed state.
“It would be ridiculous to think that $275,000 is not better than zero dollars,” said supervisor Elen Snyder. “I would like to ask if an agenda item for our next meeting can be added… with the starting point being $275,000…”
“Let’s Not Forget”
Meanwhile, I received an email from Eric Pomerantz. the resident who urged the Newtown Supervisors to demand $350K at the 11/12/25 BOS meeting.
"I saw in the Patch this morning that the Borough wants the Township to reconsider the $275k offer,” said Mr. Pomerantz. “Let’s not forget that the $275k offer was made BEFORE we had the benefit of the State’s [“Fair Share”] analysis of what a rational number would be - $375K. It would be the height of irresponsibility to ignore that analysis and stick to a number that penalizes the taxpayers of the township in light of the more recent information. Please stand firm on this, for lots of reasons, but most importantly how disingenuous it appears to ask the township taxpayers to accept a tax millage increase specifically for Fire Protection Services while our supervisors give away our tax dollars to the borough for the same fire protection."
What’s at stake
The request was met by “standoff” by the BOS Chair, who expressed a preference for more information and further private negotiation rather than an immediate public agenda discussion.
The Township previously provided services to the Borough including fire/safety inspections, fire investigations, fire prevention activities, emergency management staffing, and other fire-emergency related services.
Related Background
The “Missing Link”: a $1 Million Bridge to the Past
In a more forward-looking segment, Mike Sellers of the Newtown Creek Coalition presented the final vision for the Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge, funded by a $1 million Local Share Account (LSA) grant. The project is framed as both a functional crossing and a restoration of local heritage.
Design Highlights
- Length: 692 feet total, including a 170-foot bridge span
- Deck: 8 feet wide, composite material, 25–50 year warranty
- Experience: two “bumpouts” (viewing platforms) with benches
- Historic element: anchored to 19th-century foundations of the old Newtown Trolley Line (1898–1923), with stone piers preserved and illuminated
Construction bids are due in March, and the community can look toward a formal dedication in Spring 2027.
Related Background
The Paving Paradox: Higher Taxes, Fewer Miles?
During the 2026 Road Program discussion, former supervisor John Mack highlighted a mismatch between revenue expectations and road outcomes: despite a recent four-mill (30%) tax increase, the 2026 paving bid covers only 1.9 miles of road — a roughly 25% decrease from the previous year.
The Sustainability Benchmark
The write-up notes expert estimates that Newtown must pave about 3.5 miles annually to maintain current conditions. Falling nearly 50% short invites long-term infrastructure decline.
“Crickets,” Mack observed, before the board confirmed the 1.9-mile figure.
If a tax increase doesn’t translate into visible maintenance and measurable output, residents have every right to ask: where is the investment going? One place it’s going is to the Police Department to buy 4 new police cars. Another is the Public Works Department to buy a $110,00 dump truck, which, when Mack asked about the need, was told “the Director says it’s needed.”
Related Background
Police Report: Major Arrests and “Digital Eyes”
Chief Hearn’s January report described a department operating at high tempo, including major investigative wins: an identification of an offender linked to an auto theft ring, and an arrest tied to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
“The only thing I would encourage all both businesses and homeowners—get cameras at your house, get cameras at your businesses. They do pay off… they do help.”
January 2026 by the numbers
NTPD Chief Hearn reported some troubling incidents in January: As the Chief noted “Unfortunately, we had two rape reports… one extortion, two frauds, one child abuse, one “Safe to Say” (could be an internet crime against children's case involving a Counter Rock School District employee), one theft, and three death investigations, one of which was a suicide by hanging. All this within the month of January, 2026!
The write-up also notes residents did not have an opportunity to ask questions or comment on the January report, and that the report itself is not publicly available on the township website.
Reference links mentioned: Patch story on safety ranking, Safe2Say
A Legacy of Service: Remembering Dick Weaver
The board paused to remember former supervisor and auditor Dick Weaver, described as a community pillar and a Marine veteran of the Korean War, with descendants continuing to serve in the local police department today.
Looking toward Spring 2027
The meeting captured a town balancing its history and its hurdles: optimism around a scenic bridge dedication in 2027, while basic infrastructure (like annual paving pace) raises concerns about deferred maintenance. The closing question is a pointed one: are we building beautiful bridges to the future while the roads beneath our tires fall behind?
Sustainable growth requires more than new projects; it requires disciplined maintenance of the foundations we already have.
Connect With Us