Leetsdale hikes property taxes 5.5% next year

Leetsdale property owners will have to pay about 5.5% more in real estate taxes next year.

Council voted 6-0 on Thursday to approve its 2026 budget.

Councilman Roger Nanni was absent.

A separate motion to set the millage rate at 9.5 mills, a 0.5-mill jump, passed 5-1.

One mill equals $1 in taxes for each $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

Councilman Benjimen Frederick was the no vote.

The tax increase is expected to generate between $65,000 and $75,000.

Most of the additional revenue is expected to support the borough’s volunteer fire department.

Owners of a property at the median value of $69,850 will pay about $663 in taxes next year, up from $628 this year.

The impact on many homeowners will be lessened by the borough’s $45,000 homestead exemption.

Proposed revenues and expenses for next year were listed at about $3.56 million.

Projected income includes about $1.37 million in real estate taxes and just over $1 million in other taxes including earned income and business privilege taxes.

Other income would consist of $198,000 in state shared revenues and entitlements, $101,000 in interests/rents/royalties, $37,000 in business licenses and permits, $30,800 in fines and forfeits and $30,000 in charges for services.

Projected spending includes about $811,800 for police and $246,000 for the borough office, including administrative salaries, office supplies and benefits.

Other expenditures include: $188,500 in general government, including council and mayor compensation, auditing services and insurances; $78,700 for tax collection; $74,000 for engineering services; $65,000 for municipal building upkeep; and $44,750 for legal services.

Leetsdale is a little more than one square mile and has a population of about 1,200 people.

Frederick said he and other council members ran for election on a platform of lowering taxes, and he believes taxes are high enough.

“If they would just back (off) on some of the spending, I think we wouldn’t have to raise taxes,” Frederick said after the meeting.

He also said the borough needs to find money to hire another full-time police officer next year in order to cut down on overtime.

There are no cuts to programs or services for next year.

Fire Chief Wes James earlier this year said operational costs, as well as equipment upgrades, have been increasing over the years.

He thanked council at the meeting for their additional support.

James said his department is one of the busier ones in the Quaker Valley School District. He said there have been 343 calls so far this year, up from 320 for all of last year.

Salary vote

An ordinance increasing the salaries of the mayor and all council members passed via 4-2 vote.

Frederick and Councilwoman Caitlin Gresham dissented.

“I think we’re in this for the people, not for the personal benefits,” Gresham said after the meeting.

She said she opposed the budget because of an increase to mayor and council compensation.

Next year’s budget shows council compensation at $9,900 and mayor compensation at $2,100.

Scott Zahner, councilman and finance committee chair, declined to comment on the budget or any financial matters after the meeting.

Council President Maria Napolitano said no one likes to raise taxes, but it was necessary for public safety.

“I think you saw it from our chief’s reaction, it makes a huge difference for our fire department,” Napolitano said. “They had a need and we’re glad to be able to meet it. It’s for the community. It’s one of the most vital services we have.”

Council vice president Osman Awad echoed those comments.

“We try to improve the quality of living in Leetsdale, and we work hard to improve everything,” Awad said.

Garbage truck purchase

One of the major capital purchases funded next year is a 2026 International Cummins diesel garbage truck with a Heil body. It comes with a mechanical arm called a tipper to help with collection.

Councilman James DeGori said estimated cost is $260,000 funded by a seven-year loan through Huntingdon Bank.

The new truck replaces a 2016 International truck with 60,000 miles.

DeGori said the old truck is getting costly to maintain including $30,000 spent this year for repairs.

Council plans to put the 2016 truck up for auction and hopes to get $40,000 for it.

DeGori said getting the new truck is crucial to keeping garbage collection in-house and not having to bid out the service.

The borough will also seek a grant next year to buy residents new trash cans that are compatible with the new truck.

Hoping for help

Napolitano said the mood heading into next year is anticipation.

“Very much a fingers-crossed mood for the projects where grant decisions are still outstanding,” she said. “With the statewide budget delay, some of the decisions haven’t come out yet.”

She thanked state and Allegheny County elected officials and other organizations for their support.

Council applied for at least a dozen grants this year, not including the multiple grants sought with assistance from borough engineer Dan Slagle.