Falls Budget Holds Line On Taxes

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Supervisors in Falls Township have approved a budget that holds the line on municipal tax rates, which have not increased since 1992.

The governing body adopted its 2020 spending plan, and municipal tax rate, on Tuesday evening.

The $32.7 million budget shrunk about $1 million from 2019. It includes a property tax millage rate of 7.22 — the same rate the township has had since 2014.

Property owners will continue paying $216.60 for an average assessment of $30,000 under the township’s 2020 budget. The owner of the average Bristol Township property, by comparison, pays $1,036.40 in local taxes, Falls officials said.

Items in the 2020 budget include an additional $75,000 for Fallsington Library, a $30,000 increase over 2019. The library had not seen an increase in tax funding in nearly 30 years, according to supervisors Chairman Bob Harvie.

The additional funds came from money Falls saved by switching from traditional street lights to LED lights and were identified by Supervisor Jeff Boraski as a possible source for library funds.

The budget continues to pay for free trash and leaf pickup in Falls.

Other municipal projects budgeted for 2020 include continuing the Falls Township annual road program. Road improvements, budgeted at $3.9 million, are planned for Simons Drive, Gilbert Drive and Elbow Lane.

Milling and overlay work is planned for Centre Street and Von Hoffman Park.

The budget also earmarks about $100,000 for a new playground and wheelchair access ramp at Kirby Park. The current playground at the park is 21 years old, township officials said.

The budget also includes $85,000 for tree trimming and removal of trees infested by the destructive Emerald Ash Borer.

Of the local taxes collected from Falls Township property owners, the township receives 3.6 percent — less than four cents from every dollar — while Pennsbury School District collects 84 percent and Bucks County receives more than 12 percent.