Bradford Woods adopts 2023 budget

The Bradford Woods Council adopted its 2023 budget on Dec. 12 with no taxes raised.

The millage rate remains at 3.375 mills and total budgeted expenses are $1.22 million, which exceeds revenue by roughly $260,000 next year, according to Bradford Woods President Victoria Pongrace.

The borough prepared for the expense of completing a five-year permitting cycle for municipal separate storm sewer systems, or MS4. During the past four years, the borough set aside funds for a pollutant reduction project. Approximately $192,000 is allocated in 2023 or the MS4 plan, according to Pongrace.

The budget also includes $50,000 allocated to replace an aging skid-steer loader.

The borough has budgeted $310,000 for road construction, a decrease from 2022’s $364,336.

“Our road improvement project funding varies year to year based upon the conditions of our roads and our road repaving schedule. The 2022 road expenditures were higher secondary to receiving a significant grant from the low volume/dirt and gravel roads program. This allowed us to complete a more involved multi-year project on Willow Road,” Pongrace said.

Bradford Woods partners with Pine Township each year in compiling a joint bid for road improvement projects. This makes the projects more palatable to prospective paving companies, she said.

Public safety remains a significant portion of the borough’s budgeted expenses, at $291,930 for 2023. It is 24 percent of next year’s projected spending.

Deer disposal will go from $100 in 2022 to $1,200 in 2023. Pongrace said deer disposal from municipal roads is coordinated by the Northern Regional Police Department. The company it utilizes has raised its rates.

Bradford Woods does not have any outstanding debts. It just made the final payment on its public works vehicle, Pongrace said.

“As primarily a residential community, our revenue streams are funded mainly by earned income taxes, 0.5 percent, and property taxes. Combined, they add up to 90 percent of the borough’s revenue.

“Each year we strive to meet our funding obligations in a fiscally responsible manner while addressing the infrastructure and safety needs of our borough,” Pongrace said.