“Running Lean” is the theme for the Bethlehem’s 2025 budget meetings, The first and second meetings were held Nov. 11 and 12, with a third scheduled for Nov 25. The final reading is scheduled for Dec. 17.

The first two meetings pertained to 15 different areas with presentations comparing successes and challenges of previous years as well as expected expenses and revenue.

City Engineer Michael Alkhal presented projects and carry-over from 2024 for the Public Works, Liquid Fuels Fund, Stormwater fund and the Non-Utility Capital fund. Alkhal reports saving money consistently by taking on tasks in-house rather than outsourcing jobs; An example is paving two city blocks, from prep to finish, at a cost of $50,000, contrasted with an $85,000 outsourced estimate. Purchasing and managing city streetlights has also saved money.

Department of Water & Sewer Resources Director Edward Boscola gave an insightful presentation of city water sources. Two of the reservoirs are located in the Poconos, providing the city with exceptional quality water. The department performs over 2,000 water tests a year, checking and maintaining the quality and safety of the water. He said residents will not see any increase in their water bill in 2025.

Boscola said the EPA wants to eliminate all lead from water service lines within the next 10 years. Lead water lines were installed during the 1920s-40s. Though lead levels are very low, Boscola said $11 million in capital funds will need to be directed to aging equipment, meters, water tanks, the roof on the water treatment building and the 100-year-old two-million-gallon reserve reservoirs.

Residents should also expect no sewage rate increase in 2025. Major renovations were done in 2024 to the sewage treatment plant, though the aeration tank will need to be updated in 2025.

Boscola said 66 percent of Water and Sewer income is from city residents. Water and sewage are critical infrastructure needed to protect the community and environment.

The Golf Course Enterprise Fund is a stand-alone, self-standing enterprise that is owned by the city. Improvements since 2020 and projected needs for the future include available retail space (old pro shop) and the fate of the dilapidated, structurally unstable barn (next to the recycling center). Savings in expenses were found in the reduction of full-time staff from eight to four and a better lease with the restaurant.

Councilman Bryan Callahan recognized the current salary of the mayor is less than other department heads. The mayor’s office has held steady at $90,500 since 2009. Callahan proposed the mayor and council president positions should receive salary increases.

Currently the council president receives $500 more annually than the other council members, which is $7,100 annually. Callahan said the amount of additional work that the president contributes should be compensated, and, “15 years is way too long to go without an increase.”

Mayor J. William Reynolds said he would veto any increase to his salary. President Michael Colon said salaries cannot change without an ordinance, and none has been proposed.