Blawnox officials hold line on real estate taxes, garbage fees; water/sewage bills will increase

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

However, sewer and water rates are going up in 2026.

Council voted 6-0 Dec. 10 to pass the budget and maintain the tax rate at 10.85 mills.

Councilman Mark Lombardi was absent. Council last raised taxes by 1 mill in 2023.

Matt Stanczak, councilman and finance chair, said there were no changes to the budget from its proposed form last month.

Budget revenues and expenses were listed at about $1.69 million.

Projected income includes about $842,000 in real estate taxes, $344,000 in Act 511 taxes, including earned income and local services tax; about $48,000 in interest and rent, $34,700 in intergovernmental funds, just over $27,000 in licenses and permits, about $26,000 in charges for services and just under $9,000 in fines.

Projected spending includes more than $565,000 for police services, about $317,000 for public works, close to $140,000 for executive and general government including administrative salaries, office supplies and advertising, about $124,000 for debt service, $84,000 for government buildings and maintenance, $47,000 for payroll and financial administration, $46,000 for fire service, about $26,000 for tax collection, $21,600 for administrative technology, $20,000 for legal services, $19,700 for planning and zoning and $9,000 for engineering services.

The budget is available for review at the borough office.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work from the borough staff, and participation of council to make sure we are staying within our current tax base and maintaining our cost structure for another year,” Stanczak said. “We’re maintaining the same level of service in 2026 as we are in 2025.”

There are no major purchases, paving, park upgrades or other developments in the proposed budget.

Stanczak said roads will be evaluated next year for future repairs.

Council vice president Randall Stoddard said he is proud of everyone’s collaboration in keeping taxes low despite inflationary pressures.

“It’s always good when we can balance (the budget) and do what we have to do,” he said. “If we can do it and keep the taxes the same, that’s always our goal. I think taxes are high enough. Everybody involved works very hard to keep the taxes as low as we can. We live here, too.”

The budget passing was one of the first major accomplishments for newly hired borough manager Cory Dennison, who took over for retiring manager Kathy Ulanowicz on Dec. 5.

He had been shadowing the longtime administrator and borough resident since Nov. 3.

Council ratified Dennison’s appointment Dec. 10.

“I really appreciate all the council members who helped make this transition as easy as possible,” Dennison said after the meeting. “We have a great staff here at Blawnox. It was a nice night.

“It’s great to have the budget passed. I know staff and council have been working on that for a good three months. To get that done here before the end of the year will really put us on the right footing for 2026. … I think it shows the good financial position that Blawnox is in right now, and we’re all really proud of that.”

Other bills

Sewer bills are going up from $13.85 per 1,000 gallons to $14.82 per 1,000 gallons.

Water bills are going up from $13 per 1,000 gallons to $13.91 per 1,000 gallons.

Stanczak said the rate increases are needed to cover increased service costs.

Blawnox owns and maintains the lines. The borough gets its water from Fox Chapel Water Authority.

Blawnox residents have the option to be billed quarterly or monthly.

Business tax

The borough’s new business privilege tax also kicks in next year.

Businesses making at least $2,000 a year will have to pay $300 to operate in the borough as part of a new tax effective next year. Council approved the measure on Nov. 12.

The new business tax was a compromise and reduction from a proposed $400 sum earlier this year.

The borough estimates generating about $30,000 in additional revenue from the 125 businesses in town.

Goods and service providers making less than $2,000 will not have to pay the tax.

Stanczak said the new tax will go toward public works and public safety expenses.

In other business

Council passed a resolution thanking Ulanowicz for her years of service and volunteer efforts for the borough.

Ulanowicz served as a borough tax collector from 1998 to 2019. She also worked as a part-time office employee in 2008, became assistant borough manager in 2017 and borough manager in 2019.

She also runs the borough food pantry and has been a part of multiple community events.

“Over the years, Kathy has demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership and compassion, working not only in municipal administration but also volunteering her time in community-support initiatives,” the resolution read in part.

Ulanowicz, a 1979 Fox Chapel Area High School grad, became emotional during the resolution reading and later called the acknowledgement a pleasant surprise.