Police staffing and the 2026 budget dominated the Lehigh Township supervisors’ most recent meeting, as officials approved a 1-mill tax increase to hire an additional police officer and address road repairs.

Office In-Charge John Henry reported the police department handled 451 calls in October, including 12 accidents, 29 traffic citations, eight bookings and two arrests for child abuse. He told the board the department currently has nine officers, though it needs 12 to be fully staffed.

“We have not been steady at full force since 2014,” Henry said. “Our sergeants have a lot of office duties. They are not able to patrol.”

Henry asked supervisors to interview a police candidate before their next meeting, which they agreed to do at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25. He also received permission to begin developing a new candidate testing list.

Supervisor Janet Sheats, who researched police needs ahead of the meeting, stressed the urgency of rebuilding the force.

“We really need our police department at full staff,” she said. “Beyond the budgetary impact, the reliance on excessive overtime directly contributes to distress and burnout among dedicated officers as prolonged and irregular hours diminish recovery time. One more officer will be a fill-in, so we don’t have officers working alone or seven days a week.”

Following discussion, supervisors voted 3–2 to raise taxes by 1 mill, with Chairman Mike Jones, Cindy Miller and Sheats in favor and Gerald Pritchard and David Hess opposed.

“That will include one officer and fixing the roads,” Sheats said. “I had to compromise. I’m glad we are getting one officer.”

The proposed budget will be advertised and considered for final adoption in December.

Other business

Supervisors approved $3,488 for Pennoni Associates for rezoning and ordinance work, contingent upon receiving itemized invoices and not exceeding the approved amount. A plan for 1141 Quince Road Subdivision (XC Holding LLC) was granted approval, as was a waiver of letter of credit for the LTMA land development plan.

• Public works Director Frank Zamadics reported that all equipment has been winterized, leaf collection is ongoing, and newly planted trees around the township building “are doing great.”

• New zoning officer Roxann Colfer reported 26 permits issued since the previous meeting. When asked if she would conduct proactive patrols for violations, she said she will respond only to written complaints.

• Fire Commissioner Rick Hildebrand reminded residents to prepare for winter by checking furnaces and keeping space around heaters. He encouraged residents to watch the department’s fire-safety video on Facebook showing the importance of closed doors during a fire.

Residents must call the nonemergency number, 610-317-0808, before conducting a controlled burn.

• The Fire Department will sponsor a Santa Run: Dec. 6–7. Santa will deliver gifts to registered children. See the department’s Facebook page for a form and details.

• The department will have a Toys for Tots Collection: Dec. 7, noon — 3 p.m., at the fire station.

• Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will again host its annual Give Back program, which provides gifts and food to selected township families. Traditionally, the program supports a family chosen with help from Lehigh Elementary School, but it has expanded to include any township resident in need.

Residents may nominate themselves or someone else by sending a letter with the name, address, phone number and a brief explanation to: Lehigh Township Fire Co., Attn: Janet Sheats, P.O. Box 855, Cherryville, PA 18035

All information will remain confidential. Nominees must be Lehigh Township residents.