Falls Township weighs property tax increase – Bucks Round-Up – November 26, 2025
Falls Township weighs property tax increase
Falls Township residents could see a small property tax hike in 2026 as officials work to balance rising parks and recreation costs with long-term fiscal stability. Supervisors voted to advertise the proposed $45 million 2026 budget, which includes raising the municipal millage rate from 8.97 to 9.97 mills. For the average homeowner, the change amounts to about $30 annually. Finance Director Betsy Reukauf said the additional revenue would support eighteen township parks — more than 400 acres of playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, and trails — along with year-round community events. Parks and recreation spending has climbed from roughly $650,000 in 2022 to an expected $1.1 million in 2026. Even with the proposed increase, Falls Township continues to have the lowest municipal property taxes among neighboring communities. Reukauf also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on landfill host fees, which have fallen significantly since 2019, pushing the township to pursue leaner, more diversified budgeting.
Bucks students gain in mathematics skills, decline in English
Recently released results of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, the commonwealth’s standardized testing system for students in primary and secondary education, saw Bucks County math proficiency rising while English proficiency declined over the last year. Achieving the best scores in math were New Hope-Solebury School District with a rise from 66.5% to 71.4% and Central Bucks School District with an increase from 61% to 65%. Bristol Township School District and Morrisville Borough School District achieved the lowest respective proficiency percentages — 22.5% and 23% — though both saw gains. New Hope-Solebury and Central Bucks both experienced decreases in English skills, both achieving 72.9% proficiency. Bristol Township and Morrisville Borough both had the lowest percentages of proficient students, the former at 32.6% and the latter at 28.7%; both of those scores declined from last year.
Proposed Lower Makefield mental health and addiction treatment center gets zoning variance
On Tuesday, the Lower Makefield Township Zoning Hearing Board narrowly voted for changes allowing an inpatient mental health and addiction treatment facility needed to operate at 600 Township Line Road. The site of Clearbrook Behavioral Health, overseen by treatment provider Banyan, will locate at a former assisted living facility with expanded parking. Banyan operations vice president Michelle Parks touted the center as meeting a vital public need, noting 1,600 acute hospitalizations for substance abuse and mental-health issues occur in and near Bucks County annually. The facility’s leadership envisions expanding its bed capacity from 48 to 65. All admissions will be voluntary. While some area residents and businesspeople voiced opposition to allowing such an establishment next to a child care center, Parks reassured them that the “property is self contained and the clients are expected to remain on the property for the duration of their treatment stay” other than on staff-supervised outings.
Travel expected to surge as AAA urges drivers to prepare
With the 2025 Thanksgiving rush underway, AAA Mid-Atlantic is warning local drivers to brace for one of the busiest travel periods in years. Spokesperson Jana Tidwell said more than one million residents in Bucks County and surrounding counties are expected to travel at least 50 miles for the holiday, making Thanksgiving the region’s single largest travel event. Tidwell is calling on motorists to check their vehicles, pack emergency kits consisting of jumper cables, batteries, water, snacks, a blanket and prepare for slow-moving highways. Tidwell noted that more than 600,000 drivers nationwide sought roadside assistance during last year’s Thanksgiving stretch, underscoring the importance of readiness as traffic volumes rise again.
Police remind holiday revelers: Don’t drink and drive
Falls Township Police Chief Nelson Whitney is urging residents to plan before attending holiday gatherings, especially on the notoriously busy night before Thanksgiving. Whitney said widespread access to rideshare services and designated drivers removes any excuse for driving under the influence. Local departments, including Falls Township, will have officers actively monitoring roadways over the coming week. Whitney emphasized that DUI charges carry steep financial and legal consequences, which only worsen when impaired driving leads to a crash. Police expect a seasonal uptick in alcohol-related incidents and hope proactive planning will keep roads safer.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
