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December News from Smithfield
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2026 Budget Set for Adoption
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In November, Finance Director Bonnie Winters presented the draft 2026 budget. The Board of Supervisors is set to adopt the budget on December 17th.
Smithfield’s millage rate will not increase in 2026. It will remain 1.96 mills for general purposes, .55 mills for fire, and .30 mills for emergency medical services.
Key highlights from this year include:
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Serviced 6.2 miles of road, including 2.7 miles paved and 3.5 miles resurfaced with chip/seal.
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Provided over $348,000 in grant funds for fire/EMS providers.
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Invested in capital assets:
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Two dump trucks with plows added to fleet, one pick up added.
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Three guard booths for park security delivered, to be installed in 2026.
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Completed site preparation for Phase 2 of Marshalls Falls Park.
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Resurfaced trails at Minisink Park and parking lot at River’s Edge Bike Park.
The 2026 budget provides for:
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Completion of several grants:
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Continued work on Marshalls Falls Phase 2.
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Accessibility improvements at the Municipal Center.
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Replacement of backhoe for Department of Public Works.
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Servicing of several roads, including but not limited to Ginger Ln, Reservoir Rd, Gap View Dr, and Birch Acres.
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Minisink Park Trail Revitalization Complete
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We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Minisink Park trail revitalization project, funded through One for Nature with work being done by our very own Department of Public Works team.
This project restored and stabilized roughly 4,000 feet of existing gravel hiking paths, improving access to benches, educational kiosks, and the park’s natural areas.
The upgrades provide a smoother, safer, and more accessible walking surface. We’re grateful for this partnership and excited to welcome residents to enjoy the improved trails.
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10 Things Plow Drivers Wish You Knew
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Driving in hail, freezing rain, and snow can be stressful. We get it and we all avoid it when we can. For when you have to be on the road, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks from our plow drivers that might just make your winter season easier (or at least less stressful).
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Stay behind the plow. It may move slower, but the road is always clearer — and treated — behind it.
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Give extra space. A fully loaded plow truck can weigh more than 30 tons and needs more room to stop. Spreaders also throw material, so keeping your distance protects your car.
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Let us open intersections. Plows often go back and forth to clear turning areas. A quick pause helps us move on and keep the rest of the roads safe.
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We can only plow what we’re responsible for. PennDOT handles state roads, the Township handles township roads, and private contractors handle private roads. Drivers can’t plow routes they’re not assigned to.
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Keep the road clear. Parked cars, trash cans, and basketball hoops block the path. Even small obstacles keep us from making a full pass.
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We aren’t plowing in your driveway on purpose. The blade must angle away from the roadway to stop snow from piling in the middle of the road. A ridge at the end of the driveway is unavoidable — and yes, our drivers get it at their own homes too.
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Don’t push snow into the road. It creates hazardous conditions. Place snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the road to help keep it from being pushed back across your driveway.
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We’re not aiming for your mailbox. Mailboxes sit close to the street for mail delivery, which puts them in the path of heavy snow coming off the blade.
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Weather slows everything down. Ice, slush, and heavy snowfall make each pass take longer. Patience helps us keep everyone safer.
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Every delay slows the whole operation. When a driver has to stop or maneuver around obstacles, it takes longer to clear every road. Give us space, take your time, and get home safe.
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Environmental Advisory Council News
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The Environmental Advisory Council is seeking interested individuals for one voting member and alternate members. Those interested are encouraged to submit a resume and letter of interest to Dr. Alex Jackson, Conservation & Recreation Director by December 22nd.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to make appointments at their reorganization meeting in January.
Stay tuned for event announcements from the Environmental Advisory Council!
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Municipal Center Closures
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The Municipal Center will be closed Wednesday, December 24th and Thursday, December 25th in observance of Christmas. It will also be closed Wednesday, December 31st at 1 p.m. and Thursday, January 1st in observance of the New Year’s holiday.
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Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the Smithfield Township Municipal Center, 1155 Red Fox Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Note: the Board of Supervisors will meet on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday in December.
Board of Supervisors
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Wednesday, December 10th at 6:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, December 17th at 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission
Environmental Advisory Council
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Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
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Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Zoning Hearing Board
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