Tarentum taxes to remain steady under proposed budget; utilities to increase slightly

Property taxes are expected to hold steady in Tarentum, although residents will likely see a slight increase in some utility costs.

The proposed $5.7 million general fund budget will be presented during council’s meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

It maintains a property tax rate of 5.98 mills. If approved, the owner of a home assessed at the borough’s median price of $40,000 would again pay about $239.

Council will consider a $1 monthly increase for garbage service to offset higher disposal and collections costs, as well as a 5% increase to electric rates.

“As capacity charges continue to rise across the region, and with Tarentum borough’s cost to purchase power increasing by approximately 20% next year, reaching the legal rate ceiling for the first time, this controlled and transparent approach ensures that we maintain a fiscally sound electric fund while avoiding sudden and unpredictable utility spikes for residents,” borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said.

Water rates will not be changed next year.

While no tax increase was recommended next year, Boddorf said council should consider adopting a phased tax increase in future years to align with operational and capital needs.

“Allegheny County has not conducted a countywide reassessment since 2012, which continues to limit the borough’s ability to generate sufficient tax revenue to match rising costs,” he said. “This creates long-term imbalances, where newer homeowners often pay disproportionately more, while long-term properties remain taxed at a rate below their actual market value.”

Real estate taxes in Tarentum remained unchanged for 20 years before council upped the millage rate in 2025 slightly to support a fire tax.

Still, the borough’s current millage rate is well below what would be needed to match the purchasing power of earlier years, Boddorf said.

“Due to cumulative inflation, the equivalent of 5.48 mills in 2004 would now require roughly 9.21 mills to deliver the same buying power in today’s dollars,” he said.

Council is expected to take a final vote on the budget Dec. 9.