Ambridge Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advertise a proposed $4.238 million budget for 2015 without a tax increase.
Councilman Gerald “Duke” McCoy said the borough’s millage rate has not been increased in the last 11 years, with 10 of those years being when he was president of council.
Councilman Gerald “Duke” McCoy said the borough’s millage rate has not been increased in the last 11 years, with 10 of those years being when he was president of council.
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advertisement If approved at 34.5 mills, a home owner assessed at $50,000 would continue to pay $1,725 in taxes. One mill brings in about $60,000 for the borough.
Council President Michael Mikulich said the proposed budget includes funds to hire one or two new police officers and brings the code enforcement officer to full-time.
“I’m very proud that this council, department heads and employees did a magnificent job this last year to keep that budget where it’s at,” Mikulich said.
He said the borough was able to keep the millage rate stable by reducing the fees for mechanical amusement devices such as poker machines and adjusting trash collection rates.
Councilwoman Stephanie Drewnowski, chair of the administration and finance committee, said the borough raised fees on poker machines earlier this year, but discovered the hike was “counter-productive” because businesses eliminated machines.
“I am proud to say we have a balance budget with no tax increase or lay-offs,” Drewnowski said.
Garbage fees were raised 10 percent to cover a $150,000 shortfall in costs that the borough had to make up. The increase equals about $3.63 more per quarter for customers. Council also extended the borough waste hauling contract for one year with Joseph Brunner, Inc.
The budget will be advertised for 10 days to allow public review before the final adoption during a special meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23.
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Council President Michael Mikulich said the proposed budget includes funds to hire one or two new police officers and brings the code enforcement officer to full-time.
“I’m very proud that this council, department heads and employees did a magnificent job this last year to keep that budget where it’s at,” Mikulich said.
He said the borough was able to keep the millage rate stable by reducing the fees for mechanical amusement devices such as poker machines and adjusting trash collection rates.
Councilwoman Stephanie Drewnowski, chair of the administration and finance committee, said the borough raised fees on poker machines earlier this year, but discovered the hike was “counter-productive” because businesses eliminated machines.
“I am proud to say we have a balance budget with no tax increase or lay-offs,” Drewnowski said.
Garbage fees were raised 10 percent to cover a $150,000 shortfall in costs that the borough had to make up. The increase equals about $3.63 more per quarter for customers. Council also extended the borough waste hauling contract for one year with Joseph Brunner, Inc.
The budget will be advertised for 10 days to allow public review before the final adoption during a special meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Like Ambridge Connection on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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