An 8.6% increase in property taxes is proposed in Irwin’s 2023 budget.

The hike is needed to pay for the cost of street lights, officials said.

Council on Tuesday approved advertising the tentative budget with a balanced general fund of $4.4 million, that will raise property taxes from 23 mills to 25 mills. The 2022 budget is about $4.1 million.

The street light tax will generate about $60,000 and will cover the higher cost of electricity, as well as any improvements or replacements for the lights, said Shari Martino, borough manager.

Council did not increase property taxes for 2022.

The increase in expenditures for 2023 is due, in part, to increase in salaries and general costs, Martino said.

Council members also agreed to raise the borough’s allocation to the Irwin Volunteer Fire Department from $63,800 to $69,800, an increase of about 8%.

The fire department also will continue to receive revenue from one mill of real estate tax — about $30,000 — that was created for the 2021 budget for capital expenditures by the volunteer fire department, which is studying the feasibility of building another fire hall.

Council is expected approve a final budget next month.

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