Centennial School Board narrowly passes budget with trimmed tax hike – Bucks Round-Up – July 3, 2025
Centennial School Board narrowly passes budget with trimmed tax hike
After weeks of delays and debate, the Centennial School Board approved its 2025–26 budget during a special meeting Wednesday night — just days after missing the June 30 state deadline. The $156.4 million spending plan passed by a tight 5-4 vote, with the board trimming the proposed tax increase from 4% to 3.75% to gain enough support. Board President Mary Alice Brancato (R), who voted in favor despite reservations, said the district risked harming students and staff if no budget was passed. “While $114 may not seem like a lot to some, it’s a week’s groceries for others,” she said. Dissenting board member Jane Schrader Lynch (D) criticized the board for draining reserves and warned of ongoing deficit spending. Revenues for the new budget are projected at just over $151 million, leaving a significant shortfall.
Bucks sheriff and commissioners shake hands but it did not last
An attempted olive branch between Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran (R) and the county commissioners didn’t hold for long during a heated meeting over deputy pay raises. Harran offered a handshake and called for cooperation, but Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia (D) pushed back, saying she supports raises but emphasized that they must follow proper legal procedures. According to Ellis-Marseglia, the raises were handed out prematurely — two months before an arbitrator’s ruling that did not include them. Union steward and deputy Tom O’Neill then accused the commissioners of fostering “nasty animosity,” prompting Ellis-Marseglia to respond, “So much for shaking hands and moving on.” The controversy centers around whether the raises violated collective bargaining rules.
Bensalem cracks down on illegal trash dumping amid Philly strike
With sanitation workers on strike in Philadelphia, Bensalem Township is drawing a firm line against illegal dumping by city residents. Mayor Joe DiGirolamo (R) issued a public warning Wednesday, directing local police and code enforcement to increase patrols and pursue violators aggressively. “Philadelphia residents need to use the 60 drop-off locations their own city has provided,” DiGirolamo stated. “Anyone caught dumping in Bensalem will be prosecuted and fined.” The township is on high alert throughout the duration of the labor stoppage.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
