File photo
Bristol City Council continued its latest phase of approving budgets without tax increases.
The council approved the $ 57.6 million budget last Thursday, which will maintain the millage rate of $ 23.98, which is roughly $ 428.69 in property taxes for the average homeowner.
Randee Elton, the township administrator, said the budget for 2021 was a 15 percent decrease from the 2020 spending plan. She noted that there will be a slight budget surplus in 2020 despite the impact of the pandemic.
The community plans to spend about $ 13.1 million on investments over the next year. The projects include planned upgrades that will turn the Bristol Township Senior Center into a community center, the addition of heat and insulation in the public workshop, the renovation of locker rooms for the police department, a gym for township workers, upgrades to street and curb ramps as well the replacement of aging vehicles, planning of a new fire engine in 2022, continuation of the disease program and modernization of the sewage treatment plant in Croydon. The federal block grant money will be used for new ball fields, a pavilion, bathrooms and a walking path in JFK Park on Snowden Avenue in West Bristol.
“Local government plays an important role in improving the lives of all people, and residents will see even more investment in improving the quality of life in every neighborhood,” Bowen said.
Bristol Township expects property tax revenue to decline slightly in 2021, but expects income tax (EIT) revenue to increase. Elton noted that EIT revenues are expected to stabilize over the next few years.
A ray of hope for the community’s finances has been a number of new businesses within the community, including Amazon. Elton said the community plans to step up economic development efforts in 2021.
The largest expenditure for the community is the police authorities. Law enforcement is taking over 69 percent of Bristol Township’s spending and will add 10 officials over the next year, mostly to replace retired officials.
For every dollar paid in tax, $ 0.82 goes to the school district, $ 0.09 to the county, and $ 0.09 to the community, Elton said.
There won’t be an increase in treasury fees this year, but the community could face one in 2022.
Report a correction by email | Editorial standards and guidelines
