Etna, Shaler, Millvale honored as Banner Communities

Etna, Millvale and Shaler were honored as Banner Communities last week, reinforcing diligent work by the three local governments.

Hampton Shaler Water Authority was also recognized.

A total of 71 communities and five municipal authorities were lauded by the Allegheny League of Municipalities and Allegheny County, recognized for careful spending, public outreach and transparency.

Etna has earned the designation since the program’s inception nine years ago.

“Etna is so proud of our 2021 Banner Community designation, especially during this past year in the midst of a pandemic,” Manager Mary Ellen Ramage said.

“The teamwork across all departments and elected officials has enabled us to continue to provide services to our residents and businesses during this difficult time. We are proud to have received this designation from the program’s inaugural year in 2013.”

The Allegheny League of Municipalities is a nonprofit created in the early 1960s to coordinate the needs of the area’s local elected officials.

The Banner Community program judges local governments on inter-municipal cooperation, professional development, employee benefits, planning and outreach.

County executive Rich Fitzgerald said that despite the stress of the pandemic, the Banner Communities have continued to serve the residents in a way that set them apart.

“All of our communities have been stressed during this pandemic, and perhaps none more than local governments which have had their finances as well as their operations impacted,” Fitzgerald said. “We are grateful to you for your continued efforts on behalf of your residents and businesses and are fortunate to have you as part of our county.”

Millvale manager Eddie Figas said the borough staff and elected officials work hard every day to assist residents and businesses by providing the services they rely on.

“We are very proud of our municipality’s commitment and excited to receive this designation again for 2021,” Figas said.

Neighboring municipalities that received the designation for 2021 include Hampton, Sharpsburg and O’Hara.