Aspinwall's proposed 2026 budget contains no tax hike, cuts to programs or services

Aspinwall officials hope to hold the line on real estate taxes in next year’s budget.

Proposed revenue and expenses are expected to come to close to $3.9 million.

Budget documents project the millage rate will remain 8.36 mills, including 0.5-mill for public safety.

One mill generates about $150,000 in revenue.

Council unanimously voted Nov. 12 to advertise its proposed 2026 spending plan.

Projected income includes about $2 million in real estate taxes, close to $1.2 million in local enabling taxes, $116,000 in fines and forfeits, $108,000 in intergovernmental revenues, $23,000 in licenses and permits and $3,000 in state shared revenue and entitlements.

Projected spending includes a little more than $815,000 for police; $750,000 for interfund operating transfers; $318,000 for insurance; $170,000 for fire protection; $155,500 for executive costs, including manager and assistant manager salaries; $147,000 for the legislative body, including council and mayor stipends, office equipment and supplies, auditing services and association dues; $90,600 for the parks; $52,000 for tax collection and $20,000 for legal services.

The budget also includes about $100,000 for road repairs as well as funding for the Fifth Street wall repairs and field improvements such as a multi-use court and pickleball courts.

“Balancing the budget without putting more on taxpayers really came down to planning and watching expenses,” Borough Manager Melissa O’Malley said. “Grant funding has impacted our ability to get important projects completed without asking residents to pay more.”

The Western Avenue sewer project was paid with money from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN).

Aspinwall was awarded just over $537,000. It also received $83,000 from the Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund to help cover most of the borough’s 15% match.

Construction included separating stormwater from the existing combined municipal sewer system to alleviate overflows along Western Avenue.

O’Malley said the state budget impasse made little difference in borough budget planning.

“The state budget impasse did not impact the finances of the borough in 2025,” she said. “The finance committee will continue to monitor our state funded contributions such as liquid fuels distributions, grant awards and state pension funding.”

Heth Turnquist, council vice president and finance committee chair, said infrastructure improvements have been in the works for years.

“I am relieved that we could fund expected services and move forward with the Fifth Street wall repair without a tax increase this year and last,” Turnquist said. “This should give the residents an example of how planning and sustained vision translates into action on necessary infrastructure improvements.

“It is a long overdue infrastructure project. This work isn’t glamorous, but it reflects our commitment to responsible governance, holding the line on taxes while steadily improving infrastructure and still fully supporting our police, fire, and emergency services.”

Cautious spending and an increase in earned income tax collection were among the reasons no tax hike is necessary, according to the finance chair.

“Increased revenue from the increased business privilege tax is also helpful,” he said. “We have also be diligent about ensuring we are collecting the taxes and fees due to the borough.”

In 2023, Aspinwall raised taxes by about 22%, with some funds allocated for emergency services. It also raised its business privilege tax from $100 to $500 in August 2023. The borough hiked parking fines in May 2022.

The final budget is expected to pass Dec. 10.

Council president Jeff Harris said he does not anticipate any major changes prior to the meeting.

“I think the proposed budget reflects responsible planning and a commitment to maintaining services without increasing taxes,” Harris said. “It balances essential infrastructure needs with quality-of-life improvements for residents, which is always a priority. … the finance committee and borough management have done a great job ensuring the numbers work, and any adjustments would likely be minor refinements rather than significant shifts.”