The Gettysburg Borough Council began its detailed review of the 2026 municipal budget yesterday evening, with a stated focus on transparency and identifying which portions of spending are discretionary.
The borough did not however share its budget documents, despite repeated requests from the public to do so. The documents are presented on the screen in the meeting during discussion, but are difficult to read and there is no way to copy them.
Council members first reviewed the borough’s various funds:
The Fire Protection Fund (Fund 3), supported by a 0.5-mill property tax, generates about $243,000 to $248,000 annually to pay for fire department training and equipment.
The Community Development Block Grant (Fund 4) will provide about $126,000 for accessibility improvements such as ADA-compliant curb ramps, continuing the borough’s work along North Washington Street.
The Revolving Loan Fund (Fund 40), which currently holds about $381,800, was originally created from a repaid grant to Kenny’s Market and later used to issue zero-interest COVID-19 loans to local businesses—all of which have now been repaid. Officials are considering using this fund to support a future sidewalk improvement loan program for property owners.
The Debt Service Fund (Fund 23) will require a $660,000 loan payment in 2026, slightly higher than usual, but the borough did not indicate when its outstanding debt will be fully paid off.
The American Rescue Plan Act Fund (Fund 96) will transfer its remaining $378,000 to the general fund to reimburse police salaries before the program ends next year.
The Liquid Fuels Fund (Fund 35), supported by state gasoline taxes, is projected to bring in about $175,000 for road and bridge maintenance, including a $284,000 street preservation project. Officials cautioned that as electric vehicle use grows, this state revenue source may decline over time.
The General Fund (Fund 1)—the borough’s main operating account—projects $7.19 million in revenue and $7.56 million in expenses, leaving a $370,000 deficit driven primarily by higher health insurance and staffing costs.
Borough Manager Charles Gable explained that while most of the Fund 1 budget is mandated by law or contract, roughly 10 percent is flexible for council consideration.
Gable said his current draft has a deficit of $370,000, which is less than last week’s projection of $415,000.
Gable said the reduction was due to a proposed change from one full-time custodian to two part-time positions as well as a projected 24% healthcare increase being reduced to 20%. The borough may hire an additional part-time custodian to ensure cleaning is complete while avoiding healthcare and other benefit costs.
Council members praised the new, easier-to-read budget format and will continue their review over the coming weeks.
The borough will dive deeper into its 2026 budget on Oct. 27. The 7 p.m. meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed through Community Media.