South Fayette Township commissioners gave final approval to a $13.1 million 2020 budget that, according to township manager John Barrett, only deviates slightly from the one presented last month.
Commissioners also approved a 4.73 millage rate, which means no property tax increase for the coming year.
Barrett highlighted a couple of changes to the budget, including the commissioners’ decision to increase the township’s contribution to the fire departments by $50,000. The four departments will now split $300,000 from the township.
Barrett said the township had not increased the contribution for several years.
Commissioner Gwen Rodi said they met with the fire departments, reviewed their budgets, and determined the increase is warranted.
“If we had to go get a paid fire department, it would cost a whole lot more than the $300,000 we give annually,” Rodi said.
While the fire departments will get a bump in contributions, South Fayette Township Library will not. The library will receive $143,000 from the township next year, the same as 2019.
However, library representatives recently proposed to the commissioners to renovate the outdoor space between the library and South Fayette Senior Citizens Center into a courtyard.
The township will likely spend about $13,500 in 2020 on that project.
The 2020 budget also allows for the hiring of one new public works employee. Barrett said the timeline for that hire has been pushed to mid-year, cutting the expense in half.
The millage and budget each passed unanimously, with commissioner Ray Pitetti absent from the meeting.
