News Flash

Join us for some fun programs and events this winter!

Upper Providence, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and private communities are all part of the winter team when it comes to clearing snowy and icy roads. Plowing begins on designated Snow Emergency Routes to provide safe access for emergency response vehicles and then continues onto main roads.

You can help crews clear roads faster and stay safe by following these simple winter rules and suggestions: 

• Park all vehicles off the street before, during, and after a snowfall.
• Do not throw snow onto the roadway when shoveling, or you may be fined.
• Shovel an area for trash and recycling containers on the curb or your driveway, but not in the street.
• Parents, please watch your children closely, and instruct them that it is extremely dangerous to play or stand near the street when snow plows are working. Do not leave sleds or toys in the street.
• Remove snow from the end of your driveway and in front of your mailbox.
• Shovel snow to the right of the driveway to limit the amount of snow that will be cleared from the roadway back into a clean driveway.

Read more here

2026 Budget Passes with No Tax Increase Despite $1M Shortfall

On December 8, 2025, the Upper Providence Township (UPT) Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted a balanced $48.61 million budget for 2026 without raising taxes, despite facing a projected $1 million shortfall. The BOS approved the budget following a series of public workshops and departmental cost-cutting efforts.

The shortfall stemmed from a nearly 3% decline in the township’s $2 billion real estate base, driven by commercial vacancies and successful assessment appeals. This erosion impacted both real estate and earned income tax (EIT) revenues, which are key funding sources for the township.

To close the gap, all departments were required to reduce operating costs and scale back capital expenditures. The final budget includes $31.47 million in operating expenses and $17.15 million in capital investments.

“We are pleased to present a balanced budget that maintains essential services without burdening taxpayers,” said Township Manager Timothy J. Tieperman in the transmittal letter.

Revenue and Spending Highlights

The 2026 budget maintains the real estate tax rate at 2.75 mills. Despite this, the township expects to collect approximately $6.15 million in real estate taxes, assuming a 95% collection rate. The EIT remains the largest revenue source at $12 million, though growth has slowed due to hybrid work trends.

The township’s fund accounting approach, mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, segments revenues and expenditures across several funds. These include the General Fund, Sewer Enterprise Fund, Capital Expenditure Fund, and others.

Key revenue sources include:

• $14.57 million from Act 511 taxes and fees
• $6.2 million from real estate taxes
• $3.1 million in parks and recreation revenues
• $7.3 million in sewer-related revenues

On the expenditure side, public safety remains a top priority:

• Police services account for $7.79 million (31.3% of General Fund spending)
• Fire and emergency services are budgeted at $3.9 million
• Public works and infrastructure maintenance total $3.5 million

Capital Projects and Infrastructure

The $17.15 million capital budget supports a wide range of projects, including:

• $3.7 million in road paving
• $3.1 million for sewer line replacements
• $2.38 million in park improvements, partially funded by state grants

Notable projects include the Anderson Farm Park trail loop and the Taylor Park Improvement Project, both supported by state funding.

Fiscal Prudence Amid Uncertainty

The township’s conservative budgeting reflects caution amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The Board cited the unpredictability of real estate transfer taxes and the cyclical nature of EIT revenues as reasons for maintaining a strong reserve position.

Commercial reassessments have significantly impacted the tax base. The top 15 commercial properties saw a combined $66 million reduction in assessed value, representing about 25% of the township’s real estate tax revenue.

Despite these challenges, the township avoided layoffs or service cuts. Instead, it relied on internal efficiencies, delayed capital purchases, and careful revenue forecasting.

Upper Providence Township officially became a recognized Bird Town Pennsylvania municipality this past month. 

Bird Town Pennsylvania is a statewide program which recognizes municipalities for their commitment to stewardship. Currently, there are over 45 Bird Town chapters. According to Heidi Shiver who manages the Bird Town Pennsylvania program, “Birds are natural indicators of ecological health. Small steps in a backyard can increase the diversity of birds and at the same time create a healthier living environment for people and pets."

Bird Town Pennsylvania works in partnership with local municipalities and like-minded organizations to promote community-based conservation actions to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people.

Additional information on Bird Town or creating a backyard habitat can be found at www.birdtownpa.org