Aspinwall property owners will not have to pay more in borough real estate taxes next year.

Council unanimously voted Dec. 10 to pass its 2026 spending plan and maintain the millage rate at 8.36 mills, including 0.5-mill for public safety.

There were no changes to the budget from its proposed form last month.

Revenue and expenses were listed at close to $3.9 million.

Projected income includes about $2 million in real estate taxes, close to $1.2 million in local enabling taxes, $116,000 in fines and forfeits, $108,000 in intergovernmental revenues, $23,000 in licenses and permits and $3,000 in state shared revenue and entitlements.

Projected spending includes a little more than $815,000 for police; $750,000 for interfund operating transfers; $318,000 for insurance; $170,000 for fire protection; $155,500 for executive costs, including manager and assistant manager salaries; $147,000 for the legislative body, including council and mayor stipends, office equipment and supplies, auditing services and association dues; $90,600 for the parks; $52,000 for tax collection and $20,000 for legal services.

The budget also includes about $100,000 for road repairs, as well as funding for the Fifth Street wall repairs and field improvements, such as a multi-use court and pickleball courts.

Heth Turnquist, council vice president and finance committee chair, said fiscal responsibility continues long after a budget vote.

“It is nice to have the budget for next year behind us, but the work of monitoring the borough’s spending each month and projecting needs for infrastructure maintenance and improvements, new initiatives and grant matches is always ongoing,” Turnquist said after the meeting.

The borough has implemented several measures to raise revenue in recent years.

In 2023, Aspinwall raised taxes by about 22%, with some funds allocated for emergency services. It also raised its business privilege tax from $100 to $500 in August 2023. The borough hiked parking fines in May 2022.

Turnquist said council and administrators are constantly looking for ways to better serve residents.

“Aspinwall continues to be one of the top spots to live in the Pittsburgh area and state of Pennsylvania,” he said. “Yet, there really are limited spaces to develop or build here and we can’t expand our property tax base the way other communities often can. Thus, it is important every year to look to improve operational efficiencies, aggressively pursue grants, collect any money we are owed, and make sure big projects are planned in a smart, sustainable way. This way we can maintain the local services people expect without ballooning financial burden.”

The budget is available for review at the borough office, 217 Commercial Ave.

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