Abington Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Abington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) Review
Abington's pension funds and OPEB trust experienced strong growth in 2025, returning nearly 16% for the year despite broader economic and market uncertainties.
Monthly Expenditures and Payroll Authorization
The committee authorized more than $3.1 million in bills and $3 million in staff salaries for January 2026. Residents raised questions about how individual employee compensation is detailed in public documents.
Retiree Medical Plan Provider Selection
The township approved a 22% rate increase for the Independence Blue Cross retiree medical plan because no other insurance carriers submitted bids. Staff explained that changing federal Medicare regulations have made it difficult for insurance companies to offer competitive pricing.
State aid increase and library finances
State aid jumped 7% to about $257,000 and the annual appeal raised nearly $51,000 — its best year in three. Some budget categories, like maintenance and periodicals, ran over in 2025.
Municipal Cash Management and Investment Yields
The committee reviewed how global economic shifts, inflation, and market volatility affected the township's pension and OPEB trust funds during the first quarter of 2026. Advisors noted that while short-term returns dipped slightly around -1.7%, overall fund health remains stable, and underperforming investment managers are under close watch.
2027 Pension Funding Obligations
The township must set aside roughly $6.85 million for its three pension plans next year. The good news: the total is down $12,000 after last year's $2 million jump, so no new budget pressure.
Willow Grove mall tax assessment and sale
The township paid a $700,000 tax assessment for the Willow Grove mall in July, just before the property was sold. Settlement closes at the end of August, which may affect future tax revenues.
2027 Township Budget and Environmental Initiatives
The EAC is asking for 2027 funding for a climate action plan, ICLEI membership, a student fellowship, and more — plus a part-time energy manager recommendation going to the township budget.
Beech tree leaf disease treatment funding
The Commission is asking for $21,000 in the 2027 budget to treat beech trees showing leaf disease, with a warning that one-time spending without a long-term plan would be wasted. Members also want to chase grants to stretch the money.
Arbor Day Foundation software cost
The Commission's tree-giveaway software costs about $8,500 a year. Alternatives are cheaper but lack the Arbor Day name recognition and the boost in volunteer turnout and reduced no-shows the current platform delivers.
2027 Shade Tree Commission Budget Planning
The commission is preparing its largest-ever budget request (~$150,000) for 2027, covering tree giveaways, park plantings, disease treatment and invasive plant work. The township must review and approve it by end of July.
2026-2027 EAC budget priorities
The council deferred a bigger budget discussion to the next meeting, floating ideas like a salt management program, supporting EV charging installations, and leveraging grant money with matching funds.
ARPA Fund Allocation and Municipal Property Purchases
Resident Joseph Broscius raised questions regarding the allocation and accounting of COVID-19 relief funds and their impact on township tax burdens.
2026 Board Leadership and Professional Appointments
The township board reorganized for the new year, re-electing its leadership and locking in professional service contracts for engineering, legal counsel, and administration.