Fox Chapel's proposed 2026 budget contains no tax hike, no cuts to programs or services

Fox Chapel property owners should not expect to pay more in real estate taxes as part of next year’s borough budget.

Council unanimously voted on Nov. 17 to advertise its proposed 2026 spending plan, which maintains the tax rate at 2.95 mills.

The borough has not raised taxes since 2019, and no cuts to programs or services were proposed.

Both projected revenues and expenses were listed at about $10.155 million.

Income includes about $4.915 million in Act 511 taxes, including earned income taxes, $3.64 million in real estate taxes, $471,100 in interfund operating transfers, $338,200 in public safety, $164,00 in interest earnings, $147,000 in business licenses and permits, $30,000 in rents and royalties and $8,500 in fines.

Proposed spending includes about $3.1 million for roads and streets, $2.9 million for public safety, $1.161 million for sanitation, $1 million for general government including salaries and supplies, $808,300 for operating transfers, $516,000 for recreation and library contributions, $320,800 for debt service and $125,000 for insurances.

Council president Andrew Bennett said he was pleased to have a spending plan that addresses borough needs and does not increase the tax burden on residents.

Budget highlights include about $1.3 million for paving as well as a new salt storage facility and replacement of a public works dump truck, borough manager Julie Bastianini reported.

The borough is also considering creating a new summer intern position to help with park-related projects.

“Fox Chapel is doing well,” Harrison Lauer, council vice president and finance chair said prior to the vote.

He noted the proposed budget is about $400,000 less than the current year’s budget.

Lauer explained that is due to a projected lack of grants and grant-related projects compared to this year.

Borough finance director Jeanine Mancuso said the borough starts from scratch each year with its budget process.

“We definitely do zero-based budgeting,” Mancuso said. “We start fresh from the beginning and looking at what projects are coming up.”

She also said the borough has been able to get a lot done in the past few years via grants, which helped the borough refrain from drawing down tax revenues.

A more detailed budget breakdown will be available at the borough office starting Dec. 1.

Its formal adoption is planned for Dec. 15.