The township saw health insurance premiums increase 19.9 percent for 2026. With general health care costs surging and higher-than-expected claims utilization, there could be another double-digit increase in 2027.
Lower Merion is also negotiating contracts with its two unions, adding further uncertainty to next year’s personnel costs.
Additionally, police are requesting the purchase and implementation of a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program through Axon. Axon DFR allows a drone to be remotely deployed to qualifying calls of service, providing real-time aerial intelligence before emergency responders arrive and while they’re present.
It could be particularly useful for incidents involving crimes in progress, armed individuals, vehicle pursuits and searches for missing persons, officials say. The program would cost an estimated $75,000 per year for five years.
The preliminary budget includes department requests that have been submitted to the Finance Department since June.