Lehigh Township supervisors have decided not to pursue a referendum for open space preservation.

Supervisor Janet Sheats made a motion to advertise a referendum, but there was no second and the motion died.

Supervisor Cindy Miller was running the meeting in absence of Chairman Mike Jones. Some residents were glad, others argued about the need for a referendum.

Resident Zach Szoke said, “I don’t understand. You already voted for this. Everyone should be allowed to vote.”

Miller said, “The topic is dead. Let’s move on.”

Supervisors approved the 2026 budget with a 1-mill increase and fire tax.

It was reported in November that the increase would be used to hire an additional police officer and address road repairs.

Officer In Charge John Henry then told the board the department currently has nine officers, though it needs 12 to be fully staffed. He has since been named police chief.

“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.”

Sheats had 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.”

In other business, Frank Zamadics, director of public works, said, “I have two candidates for possible hire. I would like them to come in for interview.” Supervisor Cindy Miller said, “Yes, that’s fine. It’s in the budget.”

Under the recreation report, Sandy Hopkins said, “The tree lighting went very well. Scouts made s’mores, Fish & Game made chili, the Lions Club did a candy cane hunt. Next year we would like to start at 3 p.m. We are hoping it will be not as cold.”

Roxann Colfer, zoning officer, reported 37 new permits were issued for November, and the township closed out seven. Four new complaints were filed.

Colfer is working on the Airbnb issue at 631 Bishops Place, which has been advertised on social media as a party-friendly property. Police were called to an incident there in fall.

The board agreed to sent a certified letter to the past tax collector, Mary Trexler, to find out why they have not received the physical papers from the years she was tax collector.