Ross Township Chairman James Zahoroiko announced that the township has prepared a balanced $1.1 million budget for 2026, which will be advertised for public review.

“We have a good budget,” Zahoroiko said. “There’s no real estate tax assessment on residents and no added fire tax. We’re supporting the fire department at the level they need.”

The motion to advertise the budget passed unanimously.

Economic

development

Supervisors welcomed Michelle Brisbane, president of the Pocono Economic Development and Monroe County Industrial Development Authority, who introduced herself and outlined the organization’s role.

Brisbane said the authority not only supports traditional economic development projects, but also provides resources for small businesses, including a small loan fund, business counseling through the Small Business Development Center, and access to demographic data.

“We’re heavily involved with the local share account for Monroe County and now the statewide program,” Brisbane said. “We also offer a range of small services tailored for small businesses.

She distributed informational materials and encouraged the township to view the authority as a resource.

In other business, the township’s Christmas Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. The event will feature a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, arriving by firetruck “straight from the North Pole, Zahoroiko said.