The following press release was authored by Diane Hegele, Hatboro Borough manager:
The Borough of Hatboro would like to clarify several statements that have recently circulated on social media and in online news outlets regarding Barth Consulting and the Borough’s efforts to support the local business community.
On November 18, 2024, several business owners attended a Borough Council meeting to express their concerns and frustrations regarding support for the business community. Business owners shared valuable feedback and requested additional assistance and resources from the Borough. Following those discussions, the Downtown Development Committee of Borough Council and staff began exploring opportunities to strengthen business support and downtown development efforts.
As part of those efforts, Borough staff learned about the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Main Street Matters Program, a state grant program designed to support downtown revitalization, business development, and community improvement initiatives. Borough Council discussed the opportunity at its July 21, 2025, meeting and authorized staff to prepare and submit an application. The application was subsequently submitted on August 30, 2025. A resolution was later adopted memorializing the grant application, project costs, and the required local match.
The Main Street Matters planning grant application focused on developing a comprehensive Business Development Study for Hatboro. The proposed scope included:
- Business surveys
- Stakeholder and community engagement meetings
- Town hall discussion
- Analysis of current business and economic conditions
- Development of a Business Development Strategy and Action Plan
- Recommendations for future economic development initiatives
These activities were intended to help ensure the continued success and growth of Hatboro’s downtown business district.
During preparation of the 2026 Borough Budget, Borough Council discussed funding for business support initiatives, including the required grant match and the engagement of Barth Consulting.
These discussions occurred during numerous public meetings, including budget workshops and budget presentations held on November 5, 2025, November 17, 2025, and December 15, 2025.
It is important to note that funding for these efforts was identified and discussed throughout the public budget process. The Borough collects a Business Privilege Tax (BPT) from businesses operating within Hatboro.
- 2025 Business Privilege Tax revenue collected: $156,530.77
- 2026 Business Privilege Tax revenue budgeted: $155,000.00
These figures demonstrate that the Borough’s business support initiatives, including the engagement of Barth Consulting, are funded through revenues generated by the business community itself. Contrary to some public reports, these expenditures are not being funded by residential taxpayers.
Barth Consulting officially began work in January 2026 at a contracted cost of $62,000 for the year. At that time, Stephen Barth was tasked with meeting business owners, gathering feedback, identifying needs and opportunities, and helping position Hatboro for future growth while the Borough awaited notification regarding its Main Street Matters grant application.
While awaiting the grant award announcement, the Borough learned that grant-funded activities outlined within the application could not be initiated before a funding decision was made. Beginning work included in the grant scope could have jeopardized eligibility for reimbursement under the grant program. As a result, the Downtown Development Committee adjusted its priorities and redirected efforts toward initiatives that would not conflict with grant requirements.
On April 10, 2026, the Commonwealth announced the Main Street Matters grant awards, and unfortunately Hatboro was not selected for funding.
Following that announcement, the Downtown Development Committee revisited the goals identified through the application process and began working toward implementing portions of those objectives using available local resources. Barth Consulting was directed to begin preparing business surveys and assisting with additional business development initiatives.
Throughout 2026, Barth Consulting continued meeting directly with business owners, sharing information and resources, identifying business needs, marketing opportunities, and assisting prospective businesses interested in locating within Hatboro.
Over the past several months, 24 new businesses have opened or are in the process of opening within the Borough. Barth Consulting has assisted many of these businesses with navigating permit applications, licensing requirements, state and county regulations, local approvals, and other development-related processes. These services have been particularly valuable during a period when Borough Hall staffing limitations made it difficult for municipal staff to provide the level of individualized business assistance desired.
At the August 2026 Borough Council meeting, Council authorized staff to pursue another Main Street Matters grant opportunity as funding has once again been made available through the Commonwealth.
The Borough intends to submit a planning grant application similar to the one previously submitted and will continue discussions with DCED staff regarding potential project concepts and grant eligibility. The grant program requires applicants to coordinate with their regional DCED representative before submission, and the application deadline is August 31, 2026.
At this time, the Borough wishes to clarify that while it is pursuing grant funding opportunities, there has been no commitment by Borough Council to fund the hiring of a consultant in 2027. Future decisions regarding downtown development initiatives, grant matches, and consultant services will be discussed publicly as part of the 2027 budget process.
We encourage residents, business owners, and stakeholders to stay engaged and follow future Borough communications regarding the Main Street Matters grant application, upcoming budget presentations, and Borough Council discussions concerning next steps.
The Borough remains committed to supporting our business community, strengthening our downtown, and ensuring that all related decisions are made through a transparent public process.
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