Slashing the 2026 Budget Puts Morrisville’s Safety and Stability at Risk
Morrisville’s most pressing issue right now is the irresponsible slashing of the 2026 Borough budget. This decision was not the result of careful planning or public deliberation. It was rushed, rubber-stamped, and approved without public hearings or meaningful Council questions - despite its serious and immediate consequences.
Those consequences are already becoming clear, particularly in public safety, staffing, and the Borough’s ability to meet its basic obligations.
An Expired Police Contract and Avoidable Costs
The Morrisville Police contract expired on December 31. The 2026 budget reduces police salaries by $90,000. There is no word of a settlement, so we have to assume that we are headed to a costly and unnecessary arbitration. Arbitration frequently results in wage and benefit increases that exceed what was originally budgeted, precisely the opposite of what a responsible budget is supposed to accomplish. In addition, arbitration entails costly legal fees. Poor planning now could lead to higher costs later, paid for by taxpayers. Is it wise to cut $90,000 from police salaries when we know that the cut will fail after arbitration?
A Borough with Complex Policing Needs
Morrisville is not a “sleepy suburb.” Officers patrol a borough with increasingly complex demands, including a rise in domestic violence calls. There have been occasions when officers have been required to respond to domestic violence incidents alone due to staffing constraints. Expecting officers to respond alone because staffing levels leave no alternative is neither safe nor responsible for our police or our residents.
In addition, Morrisville’s three bridges provide easy access in and out of the Borough. Bridge Commission data cites that over 88,000 vehicles crossed over our bridges daily in 2024. This statistic is more proof that Morrisville needs consistent, experienced and adequately staffed patrol coverage.
These realities demand a stable, veteran police force, not a revolving door or chronic understaffing. While the Morrisville Police Department has done an admirable job with the unique challenges of our Borough, the current 2026 budget reduction will jeopardize our ability to develop one. You cannot build such a force while simultaneously making Morrisville one of the least competitive employers in the region. We already have one of the lowest, if not the lowest, starting salaries in Lower Bucks County.
Staffing Shortages and Growing Public Safety Risks
By early spring, Morrisville could be down to just eight full-time police officers due to the rumored retirement of a long-time officer. While three part-time officers remain on the roster, their availability is extremely limited.
There are currently 74 open police positions countywide, offering better pay and benefits. Before drastically cutting the budget, Council must consider that recruitment and retention suffer when compensation does not reflect the risks, responsibilities and professional demands of the job.
Budget Cuts Ignore Other Critical Needs
Public safety is only part of the picture. The 2026 budget also fails to adequately account for other unavoidable financial realities, including:
Looming debt obligations
The need for additional public works staff
Basic Borough functions, maintenance and infrastructure improvements
These are core responsibilities of borough government. Cutting revenue without a plan does not eliminate these needs. It merely delays them and often increases their eventual cost.
A Responsible Alternative: Reopen the Budget
The Your Voice Caucus is calling for the 2026 budget to be reopened. We are proposing a more gradual and responsible reduction of millage. This approach balances taxpayer relief with the Borough’s real operational needs. It allows Morrisville to:
Negotiate police contracts responsibly and reduce the risk of costly arbitration
Compete for qualified officers and stabilize staffing
Plan for known debt and infrastructure obligations
Maintain essential services without creating future financial crises
This is not about resisting tax relief. It is about governing in a forward-thinking, sober and responsible manner , one that prioritizes public safety, fiscal stability and transparency.
