Tarentum real estate tax increase to benefit volunteer fire departments

Tarentum property owners will pay 9% more in real estate taxes next year, ending a 20-year run with no increase.

Council approved the borough’s $4.7 million budget, raising the millage from 5.48 to 5.98 mills.

The hike is to institute a fire tax, meant specifically to benefit the borough’s three volunteer fire departments.

Manager Dwight Boddorf said the borough has relied on subsidies from the electric fund to support general fund operations.

“While this strategy has provided short-term relief, it presents several critical challenges that we must address to ensure long-term financial health and sustainability,” he said.

With the new millage rate, the owner of a home assessed at the median value of $40,000 will pay $239, a $20 increase.

“Our fire departments face growing costs, reduced donations, fewer volunteers and aging equipment,” Boddorf said. “Without added funding, our ability to provide reliable fire services could be compromised.”

Eureka Fire-Rescue Chief Brad James attended the meeting and thanked council for the support during what has been a trying period for emergency volunteers.

The number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania has fallen dramatically in recent decades, and members are strapped with fundraising for equipment that can top $1 million.

The borough’s three departments — Eureka Fire-Rescue, Highland Hose and Summit Hose — are participating in a state study to gauge benefits of consolidation.

“Sometimes we don’t always make the effort of appreciation because we’re busy,” James said. “But trust me, we appreciate the financial support being addressed.”

With the new fire tax designation, Boddorf said, council is limited in how it can spend the $44,000 revenue. It has to be used for fire equipment and apparatus.

The money will be split among the three departments, with each getting $14,666.

In addition, the borough will continue to make a $17,000 contribution to each company as it has in the past.

Council approved the budget and fire tax unanimously, with member Susan Clark abstaining. Clark is the rescue captain at Eureka.

Boddorf said borough staff evaluated every aspect of municipal business to devise next year’s spending plan.

“Despite challenges like limited resources and a lack of regular property reassessments, the borough remains focused on balancing community needs with responsible financial management,” he said.

The budget emphasizes infrastructure maintenance and long-term stability, he said.

“Our real estate tax rate has remained unchanged since 2004, generating around $550,000 in annual revenue,” he said. “To match the purchasing power we had in 2004, our current millage rate would need to increase by about 3 to 4 mills, reaching approximately 8.51 mills.”

Instead, Boddorf recommended a gradual tax increase paired with cost-cutting measures. His plan would see the half-mill increase next year followed by smaller adjustments in coming years.