Jackson Township officials proposed a 2026 budget that holds the general real-estate tax rate steady for the coming year while adding a dedicated half-mill tax to support emergency medical services.

The millage rate stands at 10.25 mills, with 6 mills going to general purposes, 3 mills allocated to the fire department fund, 0.75 mills for the road equipment fund and 0.5 mills for Harmony EMS.

Harmony EMS requested a half-mill tax bump from all 10 of the municipalities it serves, including Jackson Township.

Another half-mill will be assessed for all properties located within 780 feet of a fire hydrant. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

Despite an expanded list of projects, the township still expects to end the year with roughly $800,000 in unassigned general fund reserves, nearly double the suggested amount.

The largest expenditure is the police department at more than $1.8 million, followed by administration at more than $1.1 million and public works at slightly more than $985,000.

Among the top investments are the construction of a community center at Sippel Reservoir Park, development of publicly accessible green space around the former Evans City Reservoir and upgrades to recreation amenities, including playgrounds, dog-park areas and walking trails.

The township also is planning significant infrastructure work, including water line extensions along the Franklin Road corridor, reaching Briar Hill, High Acres Road and the busy Route 19 corridor.

Stormwater and flood-mitigation projects — including drainage improvements, culvert replacement and detention-pond upgrades — also are slated for 2026, as part of a multiyear capital plan in partnership with the Southwest Butler Stormwater Authority.

To keep up with ongoing water line, stormwater and park work, officials budgeted for a new public works operator. They also plan to add another police patrolman in the fourth quarter of 2026, given “continually increasing demands for service,” according to the budget.

Township officials emphasized that more costly investments are being financed through a mix of impact fees, state and grant funding, and developer contributions.

“We believe this budget strikes the right balance between fiscal responsibility and service to a growing community,” township manager Chris Rearick wrote in the official budget message.

Supervisors will vote on final passage of the budget at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, during their final meeting of 2025.