East Hanover Township begins 2026 budget discussions

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The East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors began discussions of the 2026 budget at a special meeting Monday.

The first draft of the budget totals both estimated revenues and expenditures at $718,100. Excluding transfers, expected revenues total $677,300, with no planned tax increase.

Township manager Erik Harmon explained that, as the township has undergone paving this and last year, the budget does not include paving plans for 2026. The budget includes $269,300 in other road maintenance, including oil & chip and drain tiles, paid for with $116,900 from state liquid fuels and $152,400 from the gaming fund.

Harmon said that the township is receiving around $200,000 from the state so will put aside the difference to go toward the 2027 paving project (paving Bullfrog Road).

Supervisors also discussed employee pay, deciding to increase employee rate of pay by $.75 each, excepting one employee who received a $1.25 raise. That employee started with a lower than standard rate two years ago due to lack of experience, but has since proven his abilities, Harmon said.

Supervisors also opted to increase Harmon’s salary to $80,000 annually after some discussion.

Supervisors also discussed the differences in expected and actual revenues and expenditures for this year and last year, with some categories coming in higher or lower than expected. Next year’s estimates were adjusted accordingly as a result, Harmon said.

At the end of the meeting, Harmon said he would change the budget to reflect supervisors’ choices regarding employee pay.

Supervisors will continue to review the budget in public meetings before it is finalized, at which point they will adopt it following a public hearing.

The East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.