Telford Borough
The Telford Borough Council Monday, November 10 presented the borough’s draft 2026 budget with a proposed 3.3% property tax increase.
The budget projects total revenues of $3,148,109 and expenses of $3,105,982. The proposed tax increase would amount to an extra $30 per year for the average homeowner with an assessed property value of $120,000.
The increase is part of a series of planned incremental tax increases to bolster the borough’s capital fund in anticipation of future infrastructure projects.
The budget will be further discussed at council’s December meeting.
Rental inspection program
The borough discussed an ordinance to establish a new rental inspection program. The program would require biannual inspections as well as annual rental license registrations for rental units within the borough. Telford currently has approximately 300 rental units and 800 renters.
The program aims to serve as a “proactive approach to maintain[ing] community standards, ensur[ing] safe and habitable housing, and preserv[ing] property values.”
“By identifying and addressing issues in rental units before they become major problems, the program helps reduce public costs and lessen the burden on emergency services that often respond to hazards caused by neglected or unsafe properties,” reads the ordinance.
The property owner or tenant must be present during the inspection. An administrative warrant will be required in the event of a contested rental inspection. Exemptions to the ordinance include owner-occupied units, rentals to immediate family members and institutional housing, assisted living and nursing homes.
During council’s discussion, council member Bob Jacobus argued for inspections during changes of occupancy rather than biannually. He additionally characterized the program as an invasion of privacy.
“The idea that we have to go in and babysit people and make sure their homes are safe and all that, [I think we should] kind of shy away from that,” said Jacobus. “I don’t like the idea of the sanctity of the home being violated in any shape or form.”
However, other council members expressed support for biannual inspections, arguing that scheduled inspections will provide better protection for tenants, particularly long-term tenants.
“What if someone is sitting there for five, six years, nobody’s inspecting it and they’re afraid to say that it’s dilapidated?” asked council member John Taylor. “If they come to us, they’re gonna get kicked out. If the inspections go every two years, you’re putting a fire under the landlord and make sure it’s being done properly.”
Council took no action on the ordinance.
Parking ban
Council approved an ordinance to prohibit parking on the north side of W. Broad St. between the intersection of N. 4th St. and W. Broad St. east for 250 feet to Franklin Alley.
Council also highlighted some upcoming borough events, including the Telford Holiday Market at Penn Valley Church on November 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Telford Tree lighting at the Telford Train Station on December 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Indian Valley Public Library’s “Eat. Drink. Read!” wine tasting fundraiser on February 7.
The next Telford Borough Council meeting is on December 8 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit telfordborough.org
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