Sarah Busch

This document provides a baseline projection of the General Fund's operating position over a five-year period (2026-2030), intended to guide long-term planning by detailing anticipated structural financial trends. The key focus areas include addressing projected widening operating deficits, flat revenue growth, and expenditure growth outpacing revenue. Proposed solutions involve long-term initiatives such as increasing housing, resident opportunities, and land development, complemented by short-term strategies like general fund tax increases and specific taxes for emergency services and capital improvements, all aimed at mitigating future financial pressures.

This document presents the Exeter Township's 2026 budget, detailing plans, projected revenues, and expenses for its Engineering, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works departments. Key areas of focus include infrastructure development and maintenance, enhancing community facilities and programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving operational efficiency across the township, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The meeting agenda for the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors includes the introduction of the new Chief of Police, Steve Powell. Key discussion items involve the Zoning/Planning agenda item to award a contract for the Green Light-Go Project to Telco Group LLC, based on receiving the lowest qualified bid. The Finance section involves motions to approve the 2026 Budget and set the 2026 Tax Rates and Fee Schedule. Furthermore, the Administration agenda includes authorizing advertisements for the Board of Supervisors and Board of Auditors Reorganization Meetings for January 2026. The Solicitor's report covers the advertisement of an ordinance adjustment related to the compensation for Township Supervisors.

The meeting commenced with the Chairperson noting that an executive session was held prior to discuss the Hughes vs. Exeter Township litigation. Key discussions included a presentation of the Township's five-year financial forecast. Under Administration, the Board adopted Ordinance #875 to establish that the Chief of Police reports to the Township Manager, defining a clear chain of command. The Board also approved the advertisement of Ordinance #877 to disband the Fire Advisory Board, as it was deemed no longer necessary. Furthermore, the 2026 Safety Net Sanctuary Contract was unanimously approved at the established rate of $1.50 per resident. In Finance, Resolution #2025-30 for the Pension State Aid Distribution was approved, totaling $830,902.00 across various pension plans. The Public Works department received approval to sell a 2003 Ford Ranger and several inflatable games via Municibid due to maintenance costs and lack of recent use. The Police department reported on upcoming community engagement, an Identity Theft Seminar, and an officer retirement while initiating the hiring process for a replacement. A resident commented during public comments on the Police Chief vacancy, encouraging an internal promotion.

The meeting agenda covers several key operational and financial matters. Under Administration, actions include adopting an ordinance related to the reporting structure of the Chief of Police to the Township Manager and authorizing the advertisement of an ordinance to disband the Fire Advisory Board. There is also a discussion regarding the 2026 Safety Net Sanctuary Contract. The Finance section involves approving a resolution for the Pension State Aid Distribution, detailing allocations for Police, Employee (Non-Union), and Employee (Union) Pension Plans. The Public Works section addresses the motion to approve selling surplus items, specifically a 2003 Ford Ranger and Inflatable Games, on Municibid.