November 2020
Board of Supervisors Adopts 2021 Budget
No tax increase

The Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 2021 Budget on November 17 with no tax increase. Thanks to efforts by the Board of Supervisors and Township staff, COVID-related dips in revenue were matched by lower spending throughout the year. The Township has been able to keep taxes stable while at the same time fully funding a Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and maintaining a comfortable fund balance, with no impact on the services provided to our residents. The Township’s 2021 Real Estate tax remains at 7.6025 mils.
 
Expenditure highlights for 2021 include funding for our volunteer fire companies, maintenance of Township parks, repayment of Open Space debt, and the road improvement program. Roads slated for improvement in 2021 are: Canal Run East and West, Liberty Place, Independence Place, Militia Place, Declaration Place, Terrell Drive, Bowmans Drive East and West, and Brooks Bend.

The Township’s newly adopted budget starts January 1, 2021. Review the Budget and Budget Message on the Township website.

Don't Let Local Taxes and Deadlines Surprise You

Taxes vary by state and municipality, and often residents don't know what taxes are required when they move into a new area. Residents of Upper Makefield Township and those employed within the Township are required to pay 4 kinds of taxes: Real estate, occupation, earned income, and real estate transfer. Earned Income Taxes are collected by Keystone Collections Group. All other bills are mailed by the elected Tax Collector. Remember, taxpayers are responsible for payment whether or not the bill is received, so check the deadlines.  
UMT Officers Shop with a Cop 2019
Shop With A Cop

Upper Makefield Police officers will volunteer their time to shop for the holidays with students who are experiencing challenges. This year's event takes place December 6 at an event hosted by Target.

This is the 3rd year for the local Shop With A Cop program. Upper Makefield police officers will join officers from Newtown Township and Newtown Borough to shop with elementary and middle school students from the Council Rock School District. The program allots each student a gift card to purchase gifts for themselves and their family members and is funded through donations.

If you would like to support the program with a donation, please send it via Venmo noting "SWAC" on the memo line, or send a check payable to "Upper Makefield Township Police Association" to the attention of Sgt. Daniel Jones, Upper Makefield Police Department, 1076 Eagle Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Shown in the photo above from 2019's program are Sgt. Daniel Jones and Officers Aamir Raza, Lee Crawford, and Gerard Russi.
Jointure Receives State Planning Grant

As members of the Newtown Area Joint Zoning Council, referred to as the Jointure, Upper Makefield Township, Newtown Township, and Wrightstown Township work together to meet growth pressures while protecting the area's natural and historic resources. A $23,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will help the Jointure update its Comprehensive Plan.

The Jointure has created both a Joint Comprehensive Plan (2009) and a Joint Zoning Ordinance (2007). The Comprehensive Plan is considered a unifying blueprint for preparing ordinances and directing future zoning decisions.

The 2009 Joint Comprehensive Plan outlines agreed upon principles and actions related to: 

  • Promoting smart growth
  • Promoting sustainable development that protects natural resources
  • Providing for mobility and transportation connections
  • Preserving open space and protecting agriculture
  • Livable communities
  • Parks and recreation
  • Sustaining and supporting our commercial jobs base
  • Protecting historic resources
  • Preserving our villages

The Comprehensive Plan update is set for completion in 2021 with the assistance of the Bucks County Planning Commission. With Jointure review and approval, the updated Comprehensive Plan will become available for public review before final adoption by each municipality.
Help Available to Clean Older Homes of Lead-Based Paint

Thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, Bucks County can offer up to $20,000 per home for lead risk assessments, abatement plans and services. Tenants, landlords and homeowners of qualifying households are eligible to apply.

The map shown illustrates where lead-based paint may still be found in Bucks County. Darker areas show where more properties are likely to have lead paint, including under layers of newer, no-lead paint.

For a full lead risk assessment, abatement plan, and information about abatement services, contact Bucks County at 215-345-3842 or view information online.
Roundup
Watch Annual Crossing Reenactment Video
The annual live reenactments of George Washington Crossing the Delaware River will not take place this year because of COVID-19 concerns. However, a special pre-recorded crossing video will debut on Christmas Day. Watch it on the Washington Crossing Historic Park's Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Yard Waste Disposal
With fall cleanup underway, please remember that Township ordinances prohibit dumping yard waste directly into waterways, including creeks, the canal and the river. Instead, compost or bag yard waste for curbside pickup by your private hauler. Keep the stormwater inlets clear of debris too. That helps to prevent flooding and keep waterways clean.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in helping out as a volunteer committee member? Historic preservation, parks, and environmental issues are some of the topics addressed by our advisory boards. Learn more and find a volunteer application on our website.
Upper Makefield Township | uppermakefield.org | 215-968-3340