Sewickley officials hold the line on taxes with their 2022 budget

Sewickley property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes as part of the borough’s 2022 budget.

Council approved next year’s spending plan and maintained the millage rate at 6.25 mills via 6-2 vote on Dec. 14.

Council president Jeff Neff and vice president Todd Renner dissented.

The budget has been posted on the borough’s website, sewickleyborough.org.

Revenues were listed at about $9.064 million and expenses at $8.356 million. That’s a surplus of about $708,000.

Projected revenue includes $3 million in real estate taxes, about $1.75 million in Act 511 taxes, $78,000 in business licenses and permits, $60,000 in fines and forfeits, $39,200 in rents and royalties, nearly $200,000 in American Recovery Plan Act funds, $950,000 in state capital and operating grants and $150,000 in state shared revenue and entitlements.

Projected expenses include $601,400 for general government, including $93,800 in manager salary and $70,000 for assistant manager.

There’s $2.28 million set aside for police; $343,000 for fire protection; $273,000 for uniform commercial code and code enforcement; $90,400 for legal services; $84,900 for planning and zoning; and $41,600 for tax collection.

Another $2.32 million is projected for public works. There’s about $600,000 budgeted for paving next year. Other department expenses include salaries, street lighting, traffic control devices, storm sewers and drains, road and bridge maintenance, and repairs and general services.

Neff had lobbied for a 0.25-mill tax cut. He cited the borough’s growing $3.4 million general account and next year’s projected surplus.

The tax cut could have saved a property owner $25 for each $100,000 in assessed property value. Borough revenue would have been reduced by a little more than $120,000.

Other council members opted to maintain the status quo.

“The budget is a good one,” councilman Larry Rice said via email. “There are always items that individual councilors and citizens feel strongly about, but compromise is essential and council has done well. We live in a place and time when taxes are always increasing; personally, I would have preferred we reduce taxes, but in the end, a good agreement was forged.”

Councilwoman Julie Barnes said council has been very mindful about spending, especially the past several years, which has resulted in savings.

“We’ve been building reserves for a few years now,” she said. “That was our goal for the past three years of council. The essential (services) have been in place, but we have put some things on hold that will need to be done, like fixing retaining walls and a more robust road program.”

Barnes said there was other money allocated for various projects, but their priority would be determined by council after its reorganization meeting Jan. 3.

Newcomers Anne Willoughby, Donna Korczyk, Todd Hamer and Bridgett Bates, all Democrats, won seats in this year’s election.

Renner, a Republican incumbent, and recently appointed councilman Brian Bozzo also won their races.

Last meeting

The December voting session was the last meeting for Rice and Neff. They are being replaced the first week of the new year by some new faces that were elected in November.

Both expressed joy in what council has accomplished over the years.

“As I leave council, I am proud of the successes of the past decade,” Rice said. “Our budgeting and financial performance is tighter, with more transparency. We have built reserves and reduced our debt. Our infrastructure is in better shape.

“Most importantly, our pension funds are well funded and in excellent shape unlike many cities in Pennsylvania. ”

Neff has served on council for seven years and as its president since January 2018. He plans to remain active in the community.

“I appreciate all the help and support,” Neff said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for a lot of people there, met a lot of friends. I hope the people can continue the tradition of serving the people of Sewickley and keep a good thing going.”

Other business

Richard Tucker is out at Sewickley solicitor after about 18 years with the borough.

Council appointed Nate Boring of Gaitens Tucceri & Nicholas as its new legal counsel starting in January.

Councilwoman Cynthia Mullins, who was on the committee that picked Boring, said he was selected out of four firms.

She said they were impressed with his experience in municipal law including Act 537, planning and labor negotiations.

The borough budgeted about $90,000 for legal services next year.

It is unclear if Boring’s expenses would stay within budget.