Bristol Township Council approved the Township’s 2026 annual budget at Thursday night’s meeting, adopting a $76.3 million spending plan that maintains high-quality municipal services with no increase to real estate taxes or user fees, officials announced in a press release.
The 2026 budget reflects strong financial management and long-term planning that supports residents, businesses, and continued neighborhood reinvestment, while protecting taxpayers from additional financial burden.
“Bristol Township Council is proud to adopt a responsible 2026 budget that keeps services strong while holding the line on real estate taxes and user fees,” said Council President Craig Bowen. “This spending plan reflects careful planning, disciplined financial management, and a continued commitment to reinvesting in our neighborhoods.”
Bristol Twp Manager Randee Mazur answering a reporters question after a 2025 Council meeting as Sgt Jason Mancuso waits for the Q&A session to end
Credit: Jeff Bohen
“Bristol Township is entering 2026 from a position of strength,” said Township Manager Randee J. Mazur.
“This budget protects taxpayers while meeting today’s needs and preparing for tomorrow’s priorities.”
The approved 2026 budget totals $76.3 million, including:
• $60.5 million for operating funds that support daily municipal services
• $15.8 million for capital projects that improve facilities, equipment, and infrastructure
Operating investments prioritize public safety, public works, parks and recreation, community development, and essential township administration. The General Fund, at $29.8 million, remains the Township’s primary operating fund and represents approximately half of all operating spending, Mazur.
According to officials, the 2026 budget continues Bristol Township’s transition to program-based budgeting, which organizes spending by services and outcomes rather than long lists of line items. This approach improves transparency by helping residents understand what programs do, why they matter, and what they cost. In addition, the Township will expand performance tracking, enabling departments to report results and use data to guide future budget decisions.
Following years of expanded services and infrastructure investment, the 2026 budget includes several strategic staffing additions to maintain service levels and improve communication with the public. New positions include:
• Communications Manager (Township Manager’s Office)
• Accountant (Finance Department)
• Information Systems Technician (Information Technology)
• Building Maintenance Supervisor (Public Works)
These positions strengthen customer service, financial oversight, infrastructure maintenance, and cybersecurity readiness, said Mazur
The 2026 Capital Improvement Program funds projects that extend the life of Township assets and support
long-term community needs. Major projects include:
• Storm Sewer Improvements, including CCTV and lining: approximately $1.9 million
• Sanitary Sewer Improvements, including lining and pump station bypass work: approximately $1.6
million
• Career Fire Station Renovations supported by ARPA: $1.0 million
• Police Technology and Fleet Upgrades, including license plate recognition cameras, body and in-car
cameras, and vehicle replacements:
o $335,444 in RDA-supported equipment, plus additional vehicle and equipment purchases
• Volunteer fire company and rescue squad equipment funded through the Redevelopment Authority:
$280,000
• Croydon Park improvements and ongoing park facility upgrades supported by grants and capital reserves
• Continued Road Program
• Continued ADA Curb Ramp Program
These projects are funded through a mix of capital reserves, grants, liquid fuels, and debt, allowing Bristol
Township to complete major improvements without shifting costs on to taxpayers, officials said.
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