Jackson Township to advertise 2026 budget with no tax increase

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The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors voted Nov. 17 to advertise its 2026 budget, which shows $1,999,000 for income and revenue, and will keep the tax rate steady at 0.1801 mills.

The largest portion of expected revenue is earned income taxes at $1,370,000. The township expects $190,000 through real estate taxes, $160,000 from real estate transfer taxes, and $110,000 from cable TV franchise fees. The remaining income comes from per capita taxes, licenses and permits, fines and violations, interest, fuel sales, and “other income” sources.

Expenditures are more evenly divided, with $320,000 going toward health insurance to make up the largest percentage. Streets and highways and general payrolls are estimated at $210,000 each, and general government and equipment are each set at $200,000.

The liquid fuels fund shows $329,322 in both revenues and expenditures. Expenses will go toward streets and highways. Recreation is balanced at $7,500, and the sewer fund is balanced at $1,510,000.

The budget also lists two major projects for 2026 — $150,000 for a Ram 5500 Dump Truck and $150,000 for the continued development of Wheatland Woods Lot 107.

Supervisor Thomas Houtz said it’s a fairly quiet year for major township projects paid for out of the general fund because the major vehicle replacements are already finished. Road paving is paid for out of the liquid fuels account.

Supervisors can vote to approve the final budget at the second December meeting. They can continue adjusting numbers until the final approval, but cannot levy a tax increase higher than the advertised rate.

2026 meeting dates

Supervisors also approved the 2026 meeting dates. Most meetings are at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the township building at 60 N. Ramona Road.

• Jan. 5 and 20
• Feb. 2 and 17
• March 2 and 16
• April 6 and 20
• May 4 and 18
• June 1 and 15
• July 6 and 20
• Aug. 3 and 17
• Sept. 8 and 21
• Oct. 5 and 19
• Nov. 2 and 16
• Dec. 7 and 21

In other business, supervisors:

• Approved Kutztown’s requested fire box changes.
• Voted to make the first payment to the Wheatland Woods project’s contractor for $57,060. The remaining balance on the contract will be $132,157.
• Authorized Keystone Hook & Ladder to submit a Local Share Account grant request for $26,075 to purchase a commercial washer and dryer to clean gear.
• Authorized Myerstown First Aid Unit to submit two LSA grants — one for $35,658.53 to purchase replacement AEDs, and one for $178,232.41 to purchase heart monitors.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors will meet next at 60 N. Ramona Road on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.