Chalfont Borough Council voted to adopt the borough’s 2026 budget with a 1.5-mill increase, approving a spending plan that includes an increase in the general real estate tax rate while holding debt, fire, and emergency services millage steady.
Under the adopted budget, the general fund tax rate increases to 19.25 mills, up from 17.75 mills in 2025.
The debt service rate remains unchanged at 3.25 mills, while the fire protection rate stays at 1.25 mills and the ambulance and rescue squad rate remains at 0.50 mills. In total, the borough’s real estate tax rate for 2026 is 24.25 mills, or $24.25 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
According to the budget message prepared by Borough Manager Shawn Curran, the 2026 spending plan includes $3.17 million in general fund expenditures and utilizes $104,550 in unrestricted reserves to balance the budget. Borough officials said the plan allows Chalfont to continue providing municipal services while addressing rising costs.
Where the money goes
Police services remain the borough’s largest expense, accounting for about $1.56 million, or nearly half of general fund expenditures. The cost reflects Chalfont’s participation in the Central Bucks Regional Police Department, which provides 24-hour patrol and investigative services.
Public works spending is budgeted at $343,100, covering road maintenance, stormwater management, and winter services. Administrative and executive costs total $384,000, with insurance and miscellaneous expenses budgeted at $292,800.
The borough’s capital fund includes $30,000 in planned capital expenditures for 2026, with no new major projects proposed. Several stormwater and infrastructure projects from prior years are expected to carry over into the new budget year.
Salaries, pensions, and debt
Salary and wage expenses across borough departments show modest increases consistent with staffing and contractual obligations, rather than any sharp spikes. Pension funding remains stable, with $49,000 budgeted for non-uniformed pension contributions in 2026.
The borough will continue to service its outstanding debt, which totals about $2.4 million. The debt service fund is budgeted to spend about $199,000 in 2026 toward principal and interest payments, funded by the dedicated debt service millage.
Reserves and financial outlook
Chalfont Borough officials said the general fund is projected to end 2026 with $649,089 in unrestricted reserves, remaining above the minimum level recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association.
The borough also maintains a water reserve fund exceeding $3 million, generated from the 2001 sale of its water system and invested under established financial policies.
