In a room packed with firemen, ambulance personnel, and interested citizens, the Washington Township Board of Supervisors reorganized on Monday, January 5th.  Recently elected Supervisor Matthew McCluskey took his seat and immediately requested that the previously advertised and adopted budget for 2026 be opened and reviewed.

            A newly elected supervisor has the right to open the previously adopted budget with the acquiescence of the board of supervisors.  A simple majority is necessary.  Supervisor Tom Powanda voted not to open the budget.  However, Supervisor Romnie Long agreed to open the budget for review. 

            Long had voted "No" on the budget at prior supervisors meetings because she stated the recently enacted emergency services tax would place an unfair burden on property owners.  Those property owners with a large property would pay more in taxes than someone with a small property.  Additionally, in the past, Long stated she did not want to enact a new tax. 

            Powanda questioned whether Long ever objected to a Berks County or school district property tax, both of which are not equally applied.  Powanda remarked that Washington Township has not raised taxes in over 10 years.

            Once the budget was opened, McCluskey quickly proposed that the recently enacted emergency services tax structure be amended.  Long agreed.  Powanda strenuously disagreed. 

            A resident of the township asked Long and McCluskey if their ...