Centennial School Board deadlocked on budget, faces legal deadline – Bucks Round-Up – June 27, 2025
Centennial School Board deadlocked on budget, faces legal deadline
Tensions ran high Thursday night as the Centennial School Board adjourned without passing a $156 million budget that includes a proposed tax hike. The board voted 4–3 to delay the decision until a special meeting on Wednesday, July 2, at 7 p.m. Board member Mark Gindhart expressed frustration with the stalemate, defending the tax increase as a necessary step. “I live in this district and don’t want my taxes going up, but it’s what has to be done,” Ginhart said, calling the board’s inaction “irresponsible.” Jane Schrader Lynch pushed back, arguing for a lower tax rate and criticizing assumptions that some board members weren’t fully engaged. “We have asked questions on our own time,” Lynch said. If the board fails to adopt a budget by the July 2 deadline, the district could face legal consequences.
Philadelphia man gets 30 years for gun trafficking into Bucks County
A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to up to 30 years in state prison after pleading guilty to running a large straw-purchasing gun ring that impacted Bucks County. Anthony Jackson, 28, admitted to securing 29 firearms for prohibited individuals — including convicted felons — some of which were bought in Warminster. Jackson’s charges included unlawful firearm sales, money laundering, and making false statements. Bucks County detectives uncovered his activities during an investigation spanning from October 2021 to May 2024. He was formally charged in November and sentenced this week.
SEPTA greenlights service cuts and fare hikes amid $213M deficit
SEPTA riders in Bucks County and across the region will soon feel the impact of sweeping cuts and higher fares as the transit authority grapples with a $213 million budget gap. Approved this week, the plan includes a 45% reduction in services and fare hikes rolling out in stages. The first round hits August 24, when 20% of services will be cut, including 32 bus routes and post-sporting-event trains. In September, the base fare jumps to $2.90 — a 21.5% increase. More cuts come January 1, including a 9 p.m. system-wide curfew. SEPTA is still hoping for a last-minute rescue from Harrisburg, but nothing has materialized yet.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
