A hearing for additional testimony in Millvale’s emergency request to borrow $2 million to prevent a potential budget crisis has been postponed.
The hearing before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge John T. McVay Jr. had been scheduled for Tuesday morning. A new time and date were not immediately known.
Following a hearing Jan. 15, McVay delayed his ruling and said he needs the consultant guiding debt restructuring for the borough to testify before making a decision in the case. The judge also wants to explore whether the borough will need ongoing monitoring.
Millvale officials have argued the borrowing is needed to avoid service cuts and layoffs.
The borough’s debts exceed $1.6 million, consisting of more than $250,000 on a short-term loan secured in 2024, more than $410,000 in pension costs, nearly $480,000 in utilities and taxes, $200,000 on police vehicles and infrastructure improvements, and more than $225,000 on building and janitorial supplies, personnel, fleet costs and insurance.
Council President James Machajewski testified that former borough Manager Ed Figas was moving money from dedicated funds to plug holes in the budget and pay down debts.
There were no accusations of any criminal conduct, but Figas was removed as manager for not keeping council apprised of the debt, borough Solicitor Jack Cambest said.
Figas has not responded to requests for comment.
Council increased Millvale’s property tax rate by 58% for 2026, the first increase in more than a decade, to help the borough pay its debts.
