Leacock Township Boosts Zoning Board Pay, Preserves Farmland, Plans Budget Improvements

Zoning board members get a raise. Farmland preservation expands. Budget improvements planned, with no tax rate change.

, and Administrator

2025 October 28 . 9:04 PM

1 min read

In this picture there is a boundary at the bottom side of the image and there is grassland in the... — In this picture there is a boundary at the bottom side of the image and there is grassland in the image, there is a shed in the center of the image, there trees beside it and there are houses in the background area of the image.

Leacock Township Boosts Zoning Board Pay, Preserves Farmland, Plans Budget Improvements

Leacock Township is set to adjust remuneration for zoning board members and is working with the Lancaster Farmland Trust to preserve agricultural land. The township is also considering future growth areas and planning budget improvements.

Starting January, zoning board members will receive $35 per hearing, up from the current $35 per meeting. Meanwhile, the township is collaborating with the Lancaster Farmland Trust to focus preservation efforts on desirable farmland areas. So far, 41 farms and 2,071 acres are preserved in Leacock Township, with 37 farms and 1,777 acres preserved through the Lancaster Farmland Trust.

At their October 20 meeting, the Leacock Township Board of Supervisors tabled action on updates to the township's designated growth boundaries. They are awaiting revisions from the Lancaster County Planning Department before proceeding. Supervisor Frank Howe raised concerns that preserved farms could potentially be included in future growth areas. The board is arranging a zoom meeting with the Lancaster Farmland Trust to discuss these concerns.

The township's 2026 budget projects a revenue of $2.17 million and expenses of $1.98 million, with no change to the current tax rate. A $10,000 allocation is included for improvements to the meeting room, such as audio and video equipment. The township remains committed to preserving farmland and preventing urban sprawl, especially in areas that could be growth areas in the future.