Taxes remain flat but water, trash rates increase in Brackenridge

Real estate tax rates will be staying the same in Brackenridge, but residents will see hikes in trash collection and water rates.

Council on Thursday gave final approval of a $1.16 million budget that will keep the tax rate at 6.25 mills.

A new, three-year contract with Richard S. Adamik Trucking, the company that hauls trash for the borough, was also approved. The quarterly charge will be hiked from $41 to $55.

Adamik’s bid was $23,400 per month for the first year and $24,600 per month for the next two years.

Officials said it was easier to have one rate hike for the three-year period than to raise rates every year.

The other bid was from Waste Management. It was about $10,000 per month more than Adamik’s.

Adamik has handled the borough’s trash hauling for 49 years.

“Adamik has treated us well,” said council Vice President John Stanzione. “I think it’s a good situation for us.”

Water rates will also jump by $1 per 1,000 gallons, averaging about $4 per quarter.

Officials said the borough, which has its own water plant, is installing new waterlines and has water department employees doing the maintenance.

The biggest expense in the borough’s 2020 budget is about $400,000 for police wages and related services. The borough is also slated to buy a new police car next year.

The allotment for public works, including street paving, is $82,000.

Council hopes to have three dilapidated homes razed next year. That money is due to come through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.