No tax hike proposed in Oakmont's 2020 spending plan

Oakmont property owners should not expect to pay more in real estate taxes next year.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi presented the proposed 2020 budget at a workshop meeting Monday night. It is expected to be adopted at council’s Dec. 16 voting session.

“We are still watching very closely our inflows and outflows,” Fodi said.

It’s been about four years since council raised taxes to the current 3.73-mill rate.

“The borough’s in good financial health,” councilman Tim Favo said. “We continue to enjoy good ratings from S&P, and have plenty of money to do what we want.”

Budget documents list revenues at about $4.785 million and expenses at $4.812 million, an estimated $27,000 shortfall.

That gap may be filled by the borough’s reserve fund.

Projected revenues include $2.07 million in real estate taxes, $1.58 million in local Tax Enabling Act taxes, $168,500 in business licenses and permits, $35,400 in fines and forfeits, $14,500 in charges for services and $126,700 in state shared revenues.

Expenses include $354,500 for administration, $27,000 for tax collection, $77,800 for legal costs, $35,000 for engineering, $1.51 million for police, $122,000 for the fire department, $25,000 for traffic control devices, $583,100 for parks and playgrounds and $29,500 for planning and zoning.

About $110,000 out of the proposed $713,000 for public works is earmarked for storm water management and flood control.

Council Vice President Patricia Friday said she would like to see funds allocated to projects related to the borough’s pedestrian plan and recently completed traffic study.

Council President Bill Benusa said he does not anticipate any significant changes to the budget prior to voting, and commented Fodi for his efforts.

“The borough manger did an excellent job preparing the summary and information presented to council tonight,” council President Bill Benusa said. “There’s plenty of money for, hopefully, every activity we’re expecting (next year).”

The budget will be available for review at the borough office later this week.

Tax bills are expected to be sent out by April 2. Property owners can get a 2% discount if taxes are paid by May 31.