Hopewell Township is moving toward adding six full-time firefighters over the next three years, part of a broader set of actions and discussions at the Township Committee’s Feb. 17 meeting that also included traffic safety changes, budget steps and community recognitions.
Fire Chief JD Moore asked the Township to establish a shared-services funding plan to phase in the new positions, which would supplement the Valley’s volunteer fire companies during daytime hours when volunteer availability is lowest.
Moore said increasing emergency call volume and population growth — including new housing developments — are straining current staffing levels. Mayor David Chait noted that the opening of The Venue senior housing community is expected to add to demand for both fire and emergency medical services.
Under the proposal supported by the Committee, the Township would add approximately $295,000 to its July 2026 municipal budget, with similar increases planned for 2027 and 2028, for a total of about $826,000 once all six positions are in place.
The additional personnel would be cross-trained as firefighters and EMTs, allowing simultaneous response to fire and medical calls — something not always possible under current staffing, Moore said.
The 2026 municipal budget is expected to be introduced in March.
Traffic safety changes proposed
The Committee also introduced traffic ordinance amendments affecting the Brandon Farms area, aimed at reducing collisions and improving neighborhood safety.
Proposed changes include:
- An all-way stop at Federal City Road and Blackwell RoadA stop sign on Howe Court at Brandon Road West
- A prohibition on left turns from Brandon Road West onto Howe Court
- The ordinance will be discussed further at the March 2 meeting, with public comment invited.
Budget and capital actions
Among other business, the Committee advanced early steps in the 2026 financial plan, including a temporary capital budget and a cap-bank ordinance allowing the Township to exceed the standard 2 percent budget cap by up to 3.5 percent if needed. The Township also introduced an ordinance appropriating $152,000 from the Open Space Capital Fund to purchase a heavy-duty grooming mower for maintenance of large municipal parcels.
Police equipment donation accepted
The Committee accepted a donation of 38 Guardian Angel Elite Series safety lights for the Hopewell Township Police Department from the Spirit of Blue Foundation, equipment valued at roughly $5,800 and intended to improve officer visibility and safety.
Photo contest recognitions
The meeting also opened with proclamations honoring winners of the Township’s annual photo contest, recognizing residents’ images of local landscapes, wildlife and community life. The photographs will be on display at the municipal building.
Special Budget Meeting Set for Monday
The Hopewell Township Committee is scheduled to hold a Special Budget Meeting on Monday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m., focused on discussion of the 2026 municipal budget.
The meeting is formally noticed as taking place at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building auditorium, 201 Washington Crossing–Pennington Road in Titusville.
However, with the region expected to receive significant snowfall and blizzard conditions, residents should anticipate that the meeting may be conducted fully via Zoom.
A Zoom link has already been posted by the Township in the notice. Residents are encouraged to check the Township website on Monday for confirmation of the meeting format and any storm-related updates.
Formal action may take place during the special meeting, and a public comment period is included on the agenda.
