Falls Township relies heavily on landfill host fees to support its annual budget — but according to a financial report commissioned by the township but not shared with the public, township officials need to make some tough decisions before that revenue stream runs dry in a few years. The Bucks County Courier Times reviewed the draft financial report created by PFM Consulting Group LLC. The consulting group was hired to analyze township finances in preparation for the loss of $18 million in revenue loss of host fees when the Waste Management landfill ceases operations in 2034. The host fee revenue amounted to about 60% of the township’s $39 million budget in 2024, and it has staved off real estate property tax increases for 31 of the past 32 years. PFM warns of an impending “fiscal cliff” by 2031 that could see annual progressive budget deficits, which may deplete Falls’ $63 million reserve fund. Recommendations by PFM include sending more money into reserves, paying down unfunded liabilities, and raising revenue through taxes and other means while also scaling way back on spending. The report does see a bright spot in the Keystone Trade Center, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for Falls to increase its commercial tax base. The Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone tax break that the trade center falls under will expire at the end of 2035, meaning more tax revenue for the township, but still not enough to replace the landfill fees. Read more in the Bucks County Courier Times.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 6/16/2025