Bethlehem Township commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 20 in support of an ordinance described by Commissioner Luke Verdes as, “extending the time frame, which right now is two years from the point of accepting a campaign contribution, through the term in office for that individual.”

Township Finance Director Andrew Freda presented the first reading of budget 2024. It will now be advertised before a final vote.

Among the highlights:

For the general fund, the total funds available equal $28,897,572, total expenditures equal $20,952,004, for a projected fund balance of $7,945,568.

For the capital reserve fund, total funds equal $3,296,715, estimated expenditures equal $3,141,715, for a projected fund balance of $155,000.

An additional $8,000 was approved for the Archie Fund following a motion from Commissioner John Gallagher to see the township support this project in next year’s budget.

The Archie Fund is a nonprofit organization which raises funds to help cover the costs of renovating the interior of the Archibald Johnston Mansion. The house is named after its first owner, Archibald Johnston, who was vice president of Bethlehem Steel Corp., who had the home built in the 1920s. It has belonged to the township since 2005.

A supporter of this project, Gallagher sees great potential for future use of the mansion once it is restored.

The budget can be found on the township website at: bethlehemtownship.org.

A motion to advertise the Active Transportation Plan was tabled at Gallagher’s request for more information on costs and public comments of the plan.