The Hanover Township Board of Supervisors heard an initial presentation of the township’s 2026 budget plan Oct. 28, highlighting financial priorities for the coming year.

Treasurer Beth Bucko detailed a proposed budget of $10,698,510 that includes an 8.5 percent increase to support 28 Colonial Regional Police Department officers, $264,000 for operational expenses for the township fire company (including roof repairs for the firehouse), a new roof for the community center, equipment purchases for the public works department, paving projects on Steuben Road and Hanover Street, and more.

Tax rates for 2026 are proposed to remain flat, with the real estate tax total millage staying at 3.9 mills, including a 0.5 mill fire tax, she said.

But Bucko’s report also revealed that Catasaqua residents can expect a quarterly water and sewer rate increase from $75 to $102.

“We haven’t raised the rate in many years, and the $75 just isn’t covering the cost any longer,” said Township Manager Mark Hudson.

There was also discussion about the new five-year contract with Casella Waste Management Services, formerly known as Whitetail Disposal, beginning in 2026. According to the township’s fall newsletter, there will be “about an average 20 percent increase for our residents.”

Bucko said, “They will provide two Toters to be distributed to each residence in December of 2025 (It’s not clear how much it will cost for households that need additional Toters). The residents will be billed the base rate for waste and recycling, beginning with the new contract. So a single family home would pay $380. Southland Condominiums would pay $170 and Park Place would pay $270.”

According to Hudson, 96 percent of households participate in the existing Republic Services trash collection discount program. However, Bucko said, “Beginning in 2026, costs have increased to a point in which the discount is no longer sustainable. With no discount, we can discuss allowing the residents to have additional time to pay. But that would require you to update the ordinance.”

Resident Marguerite Georges asked if there would be Toters smaller than 95 gallons available for seniors. Hudson said yes and that a new customer FAQ mailer/email/website from Casella is in the works.

Resident Kevin Lee commented that the message would be appreciated because there’s a lot of community social media chatter about the trash hauler change.

Resident Glynis Daniels confirmed Lee’s remarks and said, “Just be sure the communication lets people know that they can get that second can because a lot of people are worried that they won’t be able to put all their trash out.”

“The one nice thing too is they will take electronics. So you’ll have a way to get rid of electronics now. They’ll come to your house and pick your electronics up,” Hudson said.

Supervisor John Diacogiannis said, “Those brown yard waste containers will not be picked up by Whitetail. They should stop using it for garbage or whatever else they’re using it for. And in fact, those containers are owned by the township, so they can’t just throw them away.”

Chairwoman Susan Lawless was absent.

The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. at 3660 Jacksonville Road.