28 January 2026 Newtown BOS Meeting Summary

A Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting that touched on funding priorities, zoning integrity, fire protection, and the Township’s true fiscal position.

Executive Overview

The January 28, 2026 meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors covered a wide range of consequential issues—from whether the Township should financially support the historic Newtown Library, to how strictly local zoning ordinances should be defended, to a growing inter-municipal dispute with Newtown Borough over fire services.

Several discussions also raised broader questions about transparency, precedent, and how healthy the Township’s finances really are.

Library Funding Request: A “Modest Investment”?

Representatives from the Newtown Library Company formally requested Township financial support. View and listen to their comments in the video clip below:

Founded before the American Revolution, the library is one of the oldest subscription libraries in Pennsylvania and operates as a non-public entity without state funding.

Membership is split roughly 50/50 between Borough and Township residents
Operates largely with volunteers and one part-time librarian
$25 annual family memberships do not cover operating costs
The Borough already provides annual financial support

The request framed Township funding as a way to match the Borough’s contribution and recognize the library’s cultural and historic value to Township residents.

Further Content:

“Newtown Library Requests Township Support” (Newtown Patch)

Stark & Stark Sign Variance: Drawing a Line

The most contentious issue of the evening involved a sign variance request by Stark & Stark for its office at 2 Caufield Place.

The firm sought approval for a sign that would be:

18 square feet (vs. 10.5 square feet permitted)
16 feet high (vs. 9 feet permitted)

Although the Planning Commission recommended taking “no position,” several Supervisors expressed concern that approving the variance would undermine the Township’s sign ordinance and invite future exceptions.

Key concern: setting a precedent that could lead to a “domino effect” of ordinance exceptions.

Action taken: The Board voted 4–0 to direct the Township Solicitor to send a letter to the Zoning Hearing Board formally opposing the variance. Listen this “Deep Dive” podcast for more details:

Mack's Newtown Voice · Newtown BOS vs Stark & Stark SIgn

Fire Services Agreement Breakdown with Newtown Borough

During public comment, it was revealed that the fire service agreement between Newtown Township and Newtown Borough has expired.

As a result:

The Township continues to respond to life-threatening 911 emergencies in the Borough
Non-life-threatening services—including inspections, certificates of occupancy, and permits—have been suspended
The Township Solicitor has notified the Borough in writing
No response from the Borough has been received to date

This development raises significant questions about inter-municipal coordination, public safety oversight, and accountability.

Consent Agenda and Spending Questions

The Board approved the consent agenda unanimously, authorizing:

$269,195.30 in bills
$14,242.89 in fund transfers
$58,500 for a new administration building boiler
$21,841 for a police generator control panel

However, residents raised concerns about the lack of detail in publicly available bills lists—specifically pointing to a payment of approximately $55,750 to Barry Isset & Associates and substantial vehicle repair costs.

The discussion highlighted ongoing transparency issues regarding how Township spending is reported to the public.

Further Content:

“Challenges to Good #NewtownPA Government” (Deep Dive audio podcast)

General Fund Balance and the Tax Debate

The Township Manager reported a current general fund balance of approximately $5.59 million.

This prompted debate over the recent tax increase:

One Supervisor argued that a portion of the fund balance could have been used to avoid raising taxes
Management responded that year-end projections were lower and balances fluctuate as prior-year bills are paid

The exchange underscored differing philosophies on reserves, taxation, and fiscal risk management.

Other Notable Actions

Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Melange on N. Sycamore Street (for background listen to this “Deep Dive” podcast: “The Melange Mess and Ghosting #NewtownPA's Zoning Rules”)
Appointment of Mary Donaldson to the Historical Architectural Review Board
Planning Commission reorganization and officer appointments

Bottom Line

The January 28 meeting illustrated the balancing act facing Newtown Township: supporting valued community institutions, enforcing ordinances consistently, maintaining essential services, and managing taxpayer resources transparently.

Several issues—library funding, fire service agreements, and fiscal policy—remain unresolved and will likely return for further public discussion.