By Jewels Phraner

Published: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Saturday, November 10, 2012

A preliminary budget with no tax increase was presented to Ligonier Borough Council members Thursday night.

Council raised taxes 1 mill last year to 23.5 mills. One mill brings in about $17,000 to the borough.

Council members took no action on the proposed budget Thursday night, but will vote on it at next month's council meeting, set for 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

Although the $1.1 million budget is very similar to last year's, the borough was able to find a 34 percent savings by switching borough employees' health insurance from Highmark to UPMC, said finance committee chairman Bob Bell.

An additional 4 percent was saved by joining the Central Westmoreland Councils of Government. That group brings municipalities together to jockey for bulk discounts in supplies, equipment and insurance coverage.

Council members next month will discuss an increase in parking fines in hopes of adding $16,200 in revenue for the borough.

Bell said he didn't know the extent of the increase.

In years past, the borough has generated between $42,000 and $51,000 in revenue from paid parking fines. Currently, motorists are charged $5 for an expired meter and more for other violations.

In addition, an extra $18,000 was budgeted for Town Hall roof repairs.

The budget is available for public inspection in Town Hall for the next month.

Jewels Phraner is a reporter for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-850-1218 or jphraner@tribweb.com.

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