If all goes according to plan, Bristol Township will pass its 2026 spending plan, coming in at $76.3 million with no tax increase on residents. .
The preliminary budget plan posted last month will see spending fall into two main categories officials said;$60.5 million for municipal operations and $15.8 million for capital projects.
The 2026 plan maintains the current millage rate of 24.98 mills, with no increases.
“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 Township’s accumulated fund balance exceeds $52 million, providing stable reserves and flexibility for future challenges.”
Mazur announced the implementation of a new program-based budgeting system.
The system, she said, replaces the traditional line-item format, connecting spending directly to community services and measurable outcomes.
The 2026 budget highlights Bristol Township’s shift to program-based budgeting, which tracks department spending by services and outcomes rather than long lists of individual items. This approach helps residents see what programs do, why they matter, and what they cost, Mazur said.
For an average assessed home, the total annual cost for real estate, refuse and streetlight assessments is just under $930.00 which breaks down to about $77.49 per month, she explained in shedding light on how the new accounting effort can be evaluated.
The township plans to start 2026 with a fund balance of more than $52 million.
Operating investments prioritize public safety, public works, parks and recreation, community development, and essential township administration. The General Fund remains the primary operating fund at $29.8 million, representing about half of all operating spending, said officials.
Mazur in public facing way has worked with council to strengthen and reinforce township infrastructure challenges and simultaneously keenly focused on emphasizing the focus of building the twp administration,
The 2026 budget adds key positions to maintain service levels and improve communication with the public. New roles include:
- Communications Manager in the Township Manager’s Office
- Accountant in the Finance Department
- Information Systems Technician in Information Technology
- Building Maintenance Supervisor in Public Works
These additions strengthen customer service, financial oversight, infrastructure maintenance, and cybersecurity readiness, officials said.
The twp capital improvement plan calls for storm sewer upgrades, police technology and vehicle upgrades, new equipment for fire companies, improvements to Croydon Park, the reopening of the Randall Avenue Bridge, and completion of the senior center and fire station.
Council will vote on the 2026 fiscal plan at their December meeting.
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