Proposed Bridgeville budget holds the line on taxes for 9th consecutive year

Bridgeville’s proposed $7.5 million budget for next year once again wouldn’t raise taxes for property owners.

“The real estate tax millage will remain unchanged for the ninth consecutive year, demonstrating the borough’s commitment to maintaining stable tax rates for its residents,” said Manager Joe Kauer.

The budget would maintain a tax rate of 6.5 mills on buildings and 10 mills on land.

The owners of a property assessed at Bridgeville’s median property value of $98,800 would continue to pay about $815 per year in real estate tax.

The budget totals $7.53 million, Kauer said.

Of that, $3.9 million is allotted to the general fund, $2.36 million to the sanitary sewer fund, $687,200 to the garbage fund, $139,400 to the highway aid fund and $437,800 to the capital improvements fund. No service cuts are proposed.

$300,000 is allotted for road resurfacing, projected to repave at least two larger streets, Kauer said.

A new picnic shelter at Chartiers Park is under contract for $205,800, according to the budget. A state grant will cover half of the cost.

The budget calls for a new dump truck for snow removal and investments in the sanitary sewer system, Kauer said.

The borough plans a new sidewalk on Chartiers Street to complete a full sidewalk that would extend from Bank Street to Washington Avenue. The borough’s share of that project is anticipated to be $32,000.

The proposal includes $15,000 for traffic engineering to develop a strategy for improving traffic and revitalization of the north end of Washington Avenue, from Bower Hill Road to the Collier Township border.

The proposal calls for a $30,000 contribution to SouthBridge EMS, $100,000 to the fire company and $44,500 to the library. All are increases from this year.

The proposed budget is available for public inspection on the borough’s website, bridgevilleboro.com, and is available for public inspection through Dec. 8, when it is scheduled to be voted on for adoption.

“The Bridgeville community is encouraged to review the budget report and use it as a tool to monitor the use of public funds,” Kauer said. “The input from citizens and stakeholders is always welcome. This process reflects the borough’s commitment to transparency, accountability and community engagement.”