Murrysville proposes 2026 budget with no tax hike
Murrysville officials have a proposed budget slightly smaller than this year’s edition.
“We actually have a 4.1% decrease from the 2025 budget,” said finance director Jacie Milchak. She clarified that the decrease reflects the timing of major capital projects, not a reduction in staffing or services.
“While the total budget appears lower, it’s still strengthening our services and preserving our fund balance going forward,” Milchak added.
The $17 million budget proposal shifts millage allocation among various areas in the municipality. Milchak said this shifting allowed Murrysville staff to create a 2026 budget without requiring a tax hike.
For example, revenue from the real-estate transfer tax — which was raised in 2021 to fund road work and capital projects — will be directed to the general fund in 2026.
The 2026 budget also adds three new employees: a public works mechanic, an engineering technician and a police officer.
The new officer is the second in the past two years, a move Murrysville Chief Administrator Michael Nestico said accounts for a 12% increase in the police budget.
“These are the first additions we’ve made to the police force in a decade,” Nestico said. “We’ve also seen insurance costs go up about 25% and health care costs about 15%.”
Murrysville is planning just under $4 million in capital improvements in 2026. These include upgrades to the traffic signals and median maintenance along Route 22; the replacement of several municipal vehicles; repairs to the administration building, Murrysville Community Center and public works building; and a feasibility study on expanding the public works building in the future.
“Looking ahead, our revenues are expected to grow about 2% to 3% annually,” Milchak said. “Our five-year plan keeps us financially strong and allows us to adjust for priorities as the community’s needs evolve.”
Council will vote on the 2026 budget at one of its December meetings. An agenda will be available in advance at Murrysville.com.
Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.
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