Fox Chapel council holds line on taxes in 2023 budget, new member sworn in

Fox Chapel officials have held the line on real estate taxes for the fifth consecutive year.

Council voted 6-0 Monday night to adopt its 2023 budget and maintain the millage rate at 2.95 mills. Councilman Thomas Karet was absent.

Borough manager Gary Koehler said the tax rate is the 17th lowest in Allegheny County, and there were no changes in the finances from the preliminary budget approved in November.

There also were no changes to garbage collection fees, which are part of the taxes.

Alcosan sewage rates are going up from $9.73 per 1,000 gallons to $10.41 per 1,000 gallons.

“We hope to meet the budget goals with revenue expectations and expense predictions; however, the projected economic slowdown combined with continued high inflation makes the 2023 budget challenging to predict,” Koehler said.

Projected revenue was listed at $8,987,200 and expenses at $8,981,400, with an anticipated surplus of $5,800 at the end of 2023.

Income includes about $3.6 million in property taxes; $4.02 million in local enabling taxes, such as earned income and occupation privilege; $511,100 in interfund operating transfers; $168,000 in state shared revenue and entitlements; $140,000 in business licenses and permits; $94,500 in state capital and operating grants; $82,000 in interest earnings and $30,000 in rents and royalties.

Expenses include about $4 million for public works; $2.274 million for public safety; $988,900 for general government; $653,000 for recreation/library; $109,000 for employer-paid benefits and withholdings; $117,000 for other insurance and $321,000 to repay debt.

A little more than $1 million is allocated for paving next year. Particular streets have yet to be determined.

The borough is in the third of a five-year contract with garbage collector Vogel Disposal Service. It is set to expire in February 2026. The borough budgeted about $884,000 for sanitation for next year.

“The budget is strong and the financial condition for this year looks very strong,” said newly sworn in councilman Fred Leech. “It’s good news. The earned income tax and the property tax and all the other revenue streams are strong. We’re well-positioned.”

The budget is available for review at the borough office, 401 Fox Chapel Road.

In other matters

Leech was sworn in at Monday night’s meeting to fill the unexpired term of state Rep.-elect Mandy Steele, who resigned at the end of November.

Steele, 44, a Democrat in her first term on council, won the 33rd District state House seat in November’s general election by defeating Republican Ted Tomson of Fawn.

Leech, a Republican, served on council from 2015 through the end of 2021. He came in fifth of five GOP candidates in the 2021 primary seeking the party’s nod for four council seats.

Leech would have to run in the 2023 if he wants to be elected to a full, four-year council term.

“I feel great to be back on council. It’s a great borough,” Leech said after the meeting.

Police Chief Michael Stevens announced his department will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at 401 Fox Chapel Road.

Stevens said the event is an opportunity for the public to interact with officers and check out some equipment and vehicles. He hopes to showcase a new community relations car, a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

Donald Smith Jr. was appointed to a three-year term on the zoning hearing board, and Donald Newman was appointed to a three-year term on the environmental advisory council. Both terms expire at the end of 2025.

Council president Andrew Bennett said the borough is blessed with talented and educated people who want to help out their community.