The Borough of Gettysburg kicked off budget season on Tuesday. The first 2026 proposal, crafted by Manager Charles Gable, shows a deficit of $415,097. Over the next several months, elected members of council will work to close that gap by either cutting expenses or generating revenue.
Gable explained the shortfall is primarily due to required debt payments, insurance premiums rising 19%, the desire for a 14th police officer, and a request to move a part-time custodian to full-time.
Gable reminded the council that they only control about 8.76% of their budget and can examine discretionary spending requests such as professional development, public relations, conference attendance, travel expenses, rental fees, dues, license fees, and capital projects. The remainder, Gable said, covers mandated spending such as contractual obligations, state/federal mandates, insurance, debt service, and utility bills.
Gable also requested $165,525 to support the borough’s re-enactment of President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 arrival in Gettysburg on Nov. 19, 2026 in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of America’s founding in 1776. The request, if approved, will fund America250 flags, American flags, generators, a stage with lighting and sound, restrooms, table and chair rentals, and security needs. Gable said his estimate is low but noted the programming budget — which is being covered by the National Park Service, Gettysburg Foundation, and Lincoln Fellowship — is more than $300,000.
“It’s going to have immeasurable rewards, whether that is through education, civic engagement, or economic opportunity,” Gable said.
Council members shared no comment on Gable’s proposal but will discuss it during workshops scheduled for Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, and 4. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the borough office on East High Street.
Gable’s presentation was not posted online as of Thursday morning, despite calls from citizens last year to help them become more engaged in the budget deliberation process. However, citizens can watch the presentation and view the slides on Community Media of South Central’s PA’s video, available on the Borough of Gettysburg Facebook page.
The borough raised taxes 9% last year, bringing its total millage to 4.5566. One mill is equal to one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.
Bridge Woes
The East Water Street Bridge, which connects East Stratton and Fourth streets, needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
Engineer Chad Clabaugh of C.S. Davidson Inc. told the council that a recent PennDOT inspection showed “critical deficiency.” The borough sought a second opinion, which agreed with the assessment.
Clabaugh said the borough must replace two beams and repair one beam on the 20-foot bridge. He estimates the project will cost between $120,000 and $150,000. Construction will likely not start until Spring 2026. In the meantime, the bridge’s sidewalk will be closed, and load restrictions will likely be put in place.
Unexpected Spend
The council unanimously approved a $48,600 proposal from Gable and Police Department Officer-in-Charge Christopher Evans to add cameras in the borough building and replace the borough’s keyless entry system.
Gable and Evans explained they recently evaluated the existing camera system and determined there are some blind spots. The proposal will move the keyless entry system to the same system as the cameras.
Gable said he planned to propose the expenditure as part of the 2026 budget, but requested action now because the quotes are expected to increase on Nov. 1.
Junior Council Member
Borough Council President Matthew Moon welcomed Elizabeth A. Prieto as a junior member of council.
Prieto cannot vote on matters but can provide council insight as they deliberate topics, especially those that affect college students.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.