By Eric Eisert

Published: Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 8:53 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Bethel Park Council approved a 2013 budget that essentially includes no tax increase but does include a millage adjustment.

Council set the property tax rate at 2.03 mills, down from 2.43 in 2012. Council members said the lower millage is a result of new property assessments in Allegheny County.

“With the new assessments coming. it will be revenue neutral,” Council President Tim Moury said.

Municipal Finance Director Mark Romito said the millage is based on best estimates on what property values will be in Bethel Park, as they have not received final numbers from Allegheny County. Those are due next month.

Moury said the millage rate could be adjusted if muncipal calculations are found to be incorrect.

To balance the $32.5 budget, about $1.7 million from the municipal fund balance will be used.

Council passed a resolution raising usage fees on sewer rates. It agreed to continue the $10 usage fee, but voted to raise usage rates to $6.34 per 1,000 gallons used.

The budget and millage rate passed 8-0. The sewer rate was approved 7-1, with council member Mark O'Brien voting against it. Council member Lorrie Gibbons was absent from the meeting.

Eric Eisert is a freelance writer.

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