Sewickley Hills officials plan to hold the line on taxes in next year's budget | TribLIVE.com
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Sewickley Hills officials plan to hold the line on taxes in next year's budget

Michael DiVittorio
| Friday, November 28, 2025 5:01 a.m.
Louis B. Ruediger | TribLive
Exterior entrance to the Sewickley Hills Borough Building.

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

Council approved advertising its proposed 2026 spending plan earlier this month.

It is available for review at the borough office, 349 Magee Road.

Borough documents indicate the tax rate will remain at 2.84 mills.

Council is expected to pass the budget on Dec. 6.

Projected revenues and expenses were listed at slightly less than $800,000.

Income includes about $272,150 in earned income taxes, $270,600 in current real estate taxes, $69,250 in interest earnings, $35,360 in facility rentals, $27,900 in state revenues and $11,900 in licenses and permits.

Proposed spending includes about $300,000 for building improvements, $113,500 for police, $57,100 for fire protection, $44,000 for winter maintenance, $16,300 for tax collection, $15,500 for engineering services, $13,300 for auditing/bookkeeping, $13,200 for utilities, $12,250 for legal services, $12,000 for sanitation and $7,500 for community events.

Councilman Hunter Hopkins said the proposed budget reflects the borough’s key priorities of community engagement, responsible planning and long-term improvement.

“It includes partial funding for a potential addition to the borough building, contingent upon grants currently being pursued,” Hopkins said on Nov. 19.

“We are also investing in expanded community programming, with plans for three events next year, potentially including a restored Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, and a summer gathering with food trucks. A borough-wide newsletter will go out in February/March to gauge resident interest and recruit volunteers. We invite all residents to participate in these community initiatives and contribute to the ongoing development of our trail and outdoor recreational improvements.”

Council hopes to add about 920 square feet to its estimated 1,855-square-foot, log cabin facade facility and make it more of a community center at 349 Magee Road.

The estimated total project cost was about $600,000.

Council in August approved seeking $500,000 in state Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund money passed through the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County. No borough match is required for the grant, which is being applied for through the Quaker Valley Council of Governments.

The borough does not have many employees and contracts with Ohio Township for police services to minimize expenses.

Other council members did not respond to messages seeking comment about the budget.


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