Lehigh Township officials are confronting a $255,000 budget shortfall for 2026, with supervisors agreeing that a tax increase may be unavoidable after more than a decade without one.

“We have to raise taxes,” Supervisor Cindy Miller said. “We have not raised taxes for 11 years. We have to add revenue for our roads. Nothing has come into the township that pays taxes. We should not hire two new officers for the 2026 tax budget.”

Township manager Alice Rehrig confirmed the deficit, noting, “We are $255,000 over our budget for 2026.”

Board President Mike Jones acknowledged the financial challenge, saying, “But we would still be short of money.”

The township currently employs 10 police officers.

Supervisor Gerald Pritchard asked if money could be shifted from other areas, but Miller responded, “There is no place to take it from.”

Rehrig said the township must first clarify leadership in the police department before finalizing budget plans. Sgt. John Henry has been serving as officer in charge since Chief Scott Fogel’s resignation.

“We should first ask Sgt. John Henry if he will be taking the Chief of Police spot,” Rehrig said. Miller noted, “We gave him until the end of the year.”

Rehrig added she would arrange a meeting to discuss the position and said once the budget is finalized, she needs 20 days to advertise it.

In other business, the board postponed payment of a Pennoni Associates invoice for $8,266.25 until receiving written clarification about the work completed. Rehrig said a $4,938 balance remains on the invoice. “I want it in writing. I want to clarify what was done,” Miller said.

The board approved a check to Hannabery HVAC for $640 and granted an extension of time for the Billy Carter Minor Subdivision plan approval until April 30, 2026.

Under the manager’s report, Rehrig asked supervisors to provide a date for their annual meeting with the fire department.

Solicitor Dave Backenstoe updated the board on the LMA Land Development Plan, reporting that “Jaindl is finally moving along after many years with their project.”

The former seminary site is at 300 Cherryville Road in Northampton.

The company received $3.6 million in state grants for its plan to convert the former Mary Immaculate Center seminary property in Lehigh Township into a resort and spa.

The Lehigh Township Municipal Authority requested a waiver of letter of credit, as Jaindl would perform work on its behalf.

Miller expressed frustration that authority representatives were again absent from the meeting. “I want the Authority to come to a meeting. They are not in attendance again at this meeting,” she said.

The board agreed to table the matter.

Backenstoe added, “The Authority is its own entity. I feel the Authority and Jaindl should have a meeting with you and explain all of their plans.”

Residents also asked about the status of a Sept. 27 Airbnb party at 631 Bishops Place. Officials said the incident remains under police investigation.