Where Are Our Tax Dollars Going? Ask Meet Mack Zoom Attendees

Six Key Takeaways from the October 27, 2026 Meet Mack Tuesday Zoom Meeting

1. A 15% Tax Increase — But Nothing Extra for the General Fund

The preliminary 2027 township budget proposes increasing property tax millage from 17.12 to approximately 19.75 mills, an increase of roughly 15%.

For a residential property assessed at $400,000, the reported additional annual tax would be approximately $103.39.

The primary reason for the increase is the rising cost of fire protection. The federal SAFER grant, which helped subsidize paid firefighter salaries, expires in March 2027.

Maintaining paid firefighter coverage seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., would require the township to assume those payroll expenses.

The proposed increase would bring the Fire Protection Fund to the 10-mill statutory limit described in the budget discussion.

What About Township Reserves?

At the October 14 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Phil Calabro suggested using $700,000 from township reserves to reduce the proposed tax burden.

Township management expressed concern about drawing down reserves because of a projected structural deficit of approximately $3.2 million.

Capital Spending Questions

Meeting participants also questioned several proposed expenditures, including:

• Routine replacement of four police vehicles.
• Purchase of a Ford F-550 truck for Public Works.
• A $300,000 allocation for replacement playground equipment at Roberts Ridge Park.
• The costs and financial terms of Newtown's police services agreement with Wrightstown Township.

Residents called for greater disclosure of police fleet mileage, replacement schedules, and the allocation of costs between the two municipalities.

Participants questioned whether Newtown taxpayers are absorbing a disproportionate share of vehicle and maintenance costs associated with the Wrightstown agreement. Read “Newtown Township's Police Contract With Wrightstown is Flawed”.

2. The Road Repaving Math Doesn't Add Up

Newtown Township maintains approximately 71.3 miles of public roads.

Assuming a 20-year repaving cycle, the township would need to repave approximately 3.56 miles annually to keep pace with long-term maintenance needs.

The preliminary 2027 budget allocates $850,000 for road paving, the same amount allocated in 2026.

The 2027 Base Bid includes segments of:

• Bedford Lane
• Hampton Circle
• Brighton Place
• Chatham Place
• Linton Hill Road
• Wrights Road

These Base Bid segments total approximately 1.3 miles. Adding all proposed alternate road projects would bring the program to approximately 3.9 miles.

Even if the township completes the estimated maximum 2.6 miles within available funding, it would remain below the annual 3.56-mile maintenance benchmark.

The long-term concern: Repeatedly falling short of the repaving target allows the maintenance backlog to grow, potentially increasing future costs.

3. Outside Contractors, Budget Overruns & Financial Transparency

Another major topic was the township's reliance on outside vendors for zoning, code enforcement, and building inspections.

Barry Isett & Associates, Inc., the township's third-party zoning and inspection contractor, was highlighted as an example.

According to the discussion, Isett's contract permits the company to retain 60% of collected zoning fees.

The preliminary 2027 staffing proposal includes hiring a full-time township zoning and code enforcement director, potentially reducing dependence on outside administrative services.

However, Township Manager Micah Lewis explained that specialized building inspections would likely still require outside contractors with advanced technical certifications.

Why Are Financial Reports So Hard to Find?

Participants also raised concerns about the accessibility and timeliness of township financial information.

Monthly Treasurer's Reports and financial statements were described as difficult to locate on the township website, sometimes appearing in delayed batches.

Residents also discussed restrictions on submitting public comments remotely, including residency verification requirements and narrow submission windows during Board meetings.

4. Eight Years, Zero Discrimination Complaints: Why?

Newtown Township established its Human Relations Commission in November 2018, following adoption of a local Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.

The commission was intended to provide a local avenue for addressing discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Does that mean discrimination does not occur in Newtown?

Not necessarily. The meeting discussion identified several possible explanations:

1. Lack of awareness: Residents and employees may not know the commission exists or how to use it.
2. Fear of retaliation: People experiencing discrimination may hesitate to file formal complaints because of personal or professional concerns.
3. Other complaint channels: Individuals may choose to contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission instead.

The discussion highlighted the need for better public education about the commission's responsibilities and available complaint procedures.

5. Chandler Hall Sale Raises Concerns About Community Services

The October 19, 2026 court-approved sale of Chandler Hall was another important community issue.

The Bucks County Orphans' Court approved the reported $14.9 million sale of the historic Quaker nonprofit senior living community to Citrine Investment Group, with operations transitioning to SilverWave Life Management.

The sale was described as necessary because of bond defaults and insufficient funds for capital improvements, helping avert an immediate closure.

Nevertheless, residents expressed concerns about the long-term future of Chandler Hall's charitable mission.

Community Impacts

• YMCA displacement: The Newtown YMCA fitness center and associated childcare facility were reported to be required to vacate the campus by December 31, 2026.
• Loss of intergenerational programs: Residents expressed disappointment about the loss of daily interaction between seniors and young children.
• Unresolved charitable assets: Restricted charitable donations and endowments require separate legal consideration.
• Future redevelopment: Residents questioned whether future owners might pursue different commercial uses for portions of the property.

6. A Grassroots Push for Open Government: NOGA

The meeting also highlighted the formation of Neighbors for Open Government & Accountability (NOGA), a nonpartisan residents' initiative.

According to the discussion, the group was founded by six residents: two registered Republicans, two registered Democrats, and two registered Independents.

Its purpose is to promote transparency, fiscal accountability, informed public participation, and respectful discussion of local government issues.

"Residents have the right to understand how decisions are made, access public documents before meetings, and engage in a respectful, informed civic dialogue."

Conclusion: It's Your Township. It's Your Money.

The October 27 Meet Mack Tuesday discussion revealed several interconnected challenges facing Newtown Township:

• A proposed 15% property tax increase with no additional General Fund revenue.
• A road maintenance program that continues to fall short of long-term repaving needs.
• Questions about third-party contractor costs and financial oversight.
• Barriers to public awareness and participation.
• Uncertainty surrounding important community institutions such as Chandler Hall.
• A growing grassroots effort to make local government more transparent.

These issues deserve continued scrutiny as the Board of Supervisors considers the final 2027 budget, capital spending, contracts, and other policy decisions.

Source: Takeaways from the October 27, 2026 Meet Mack Tuesday Zoom Meeting. Budget figures and proposals reflect the discussion and preliminary 2027 budget, not final adopted appropriations.