Newtown Township’s fire contract with borough remains stalled – Bucks Round-Up – February 13, 2026
Newtown Township’s fire contract with borough remains stalled
Fire funding talks between the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors and neighboring Newtown Borough remain at a standstill, with little public movement following months of negotiation. At Tuesday’s supervisors meeting, Supervisor Ellen Snyder pressed the board to revisit the issue, noting the township had revised a previously negotiated fire services agreement from $275,000 to $350,000. Snyder argued that with the borough currently contributing no funding and no longer covered by township fire services, accepting the earlier figure would be preferable to receiving “zero dollars.” Board Chair Edward Merriman declined to commit to placing the matter on the next agenda, saying supervisors need to “reestablish communication” and gather more information before making a final determination. The impasse leaves questions about long-term fire protection and cost-sharing between the two municipalities unresolved.
Bucks joins local counties to restore slavery exhibits in Phila.
Bucks County joined three neighboring counties in filing a joint amicus brief supporting the city of Philadelphia’s legal effort to restore slavery-related exhibits at the President’s House Site. The National Park Service recently removed the exhibits from the historic site at Sixth and Market streets, where Presidents George Washington and John Adams once lived and worked. Commissioners from Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties argued the exhibits are essential to an honest telling of America’s founding era, particularly as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Ballard Spahr LLP represented the counties pro bono in the filing.
Neshaminy students hold indoor protest against ICE
Students at Neshaminy High School staged a protest Thursday over federal immigration enforcement actions. What began as a planned walkout was redirected indoors by administrators due to unsubstantiated social media threats. Neshaminy School District officials said the move was made out of an abundance of caution, and Middletown Township Police Department maintained a presence on campus. Students gathered in the auditorium for roughly 20 minutes, displaying signs and speaking out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement before returning to class. Participants were marked tardy and must make up missed work. A similar walkout is planned at Pennsbury High School, underscoring how national immigration debates continue to play out in Bucks County classrooms.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
