Irwin hikes property tax by 15%; raises pay for workers

Irwin Borough property owners will pay about 15% more in real estate taxes next year.

The 2021 budget of $4.79 million raises taxes three mills.

Irwin Council approved the budget Wednesday, which raises the tax rate from 20 mills to 23 mills.

Two of the three additional mills will be devoted to the general fund, while one mill will be designated as a fire tax, with the revenue allocated to the Irwin Volunteer Fire Department for capital expenditures.

Justin Mochar, Irwin fire chief, has said the fire department wants to build a new fire hall within the next two years.

Councilwoman Gail Macioce was the only member who voted against the spending plan. Following the meeting, Macioce said she did not believe the residents should have to pay additional property taxes “in light of everything that was the is going on.”

To pay for borough operations until tax revenue is received, council approved a $150,000 tax anticipation loan from S&T Bank at an interest rate of 2.27%.

Council will increase the pay of non-union personnel for 2021.

Police Chief Dan Wensel will receive $69,000. Wensel had been promoted to chief as of early December. Former chief Roger Pivirotto remained on the borough payroll until early this month, although Pivirotto resigned and left active duty in August. Wensel initially was appointed acting chief, then promoted to chief in October.

Borough Manager Shari Martino will be paid just over $54,000 , a 5% increase, Martino said. Assistant Manager Stacie Santimyer will be paid a little more than $37,000 , reflecting a 3% increase.

Public Works Director Randy Altman, who will be paid about $50,700, and Planning and Zoning Manager Justin Kachmarek, who will be paid nearly $44,700, both received 4% raises, according to Martino.

Solicitor Zachary Kansler will be paid just under $34,000 for the year, based on working at least 32 hours every month.

Joseph Volpe, borough code enforcement officer, will be paid an hourly rate of $15.45.

A part-time clerk will be paid $12.88 and part-time street department workers will be paid $13.91 per hour. The meter enforcement officer will receive $15.45 per hour and part-time summer help will be paid $12.73 per hour.

In a police-related matter, part-time officer Adam Painter submitted his resignation, effective Dec. 24, and Cpl. Michael Hooper will be leaving the force to take a position with the Plum Borough police, Wensel said.