Lower Makefield Township supervisors postponed advertising an ordinance to adopt an earned income tax (EIT), saying they want more time to review all their options for closing a budget gap as the township nears its 14-mill real estate tax limit. The township faces a $469,000 deficit in its $19.2 million general fund this year — with the deficit expected to top $4 million by next year. Township officials must choose among advertising an EIT, seeking an emergency millage increase from Bucks County Court or pursuing first-class township status. Supervisors John Lewis and Daniel Grenier oppose an EIT because a 1% flat tax would hit less affluent residents, including apartment dwellers, harder than a property tax increase. Grenier also noted the township could tap a trust fund created from the 2022 sale of its sewer system to Aqua. Supervisor Judi Reiss and Chairman Matt Ross said they want to analyze the options and keep the process transparent. Without an EIT, Lower Makefield and Bristol Borough would be the only Bucks County municipalities not charging one. The board will meet again on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to review the 2027 budget, which must be adopted by year’s end.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/12/2026