Fox Chapel officials hold the line on real estate taxes, maintain recycling program
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Fox Chapel property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes as part of the borough’s 2022 budget.
Council recently approved its spending plan and tax ordinance maintaining the millage rate at 2.95 mills.
Projected revenues are listed at about $8.908 million and expenses at $8.7 million, for an estimated surplus of $208,000.
No services or community programs were cut to help balance the budget.
Projected income includes about $3.544 million in real estate taxes, $3.229 million in earned income tax, $489,000 in other taxes including Local Services Tax (LST), $200,000 in state shared revenue, $154,000 in licenses and permits and $36,500 in public works charges.
Projected expenses include $1.762 million for police, $860,000 for refuse collection, $677,300 for administration including salaries and legal services, $390,000 for the library, $379,200 for parks, $163,000 for code enforcement, $120,700 for fire protection, $105,000 for buildings and grounds, $57,500 for tax collection and $44,000 for EMS.
About $1.234 million is budgeted for paving, which has become the standard allocation for several years.
“The borough’s been on a 10-year road rebuilding program,” Koehler said. “What we’re doing is stormwater controls and catch basins while we rebuild roads.”
The stormwater management efforts help with drainage and reduce icy conditions and reduce the need for salt in the winter months, the manager said.
Koehler said 2022 is the last year of the aforementioned program. The borough will reevaluate and identify other roads to be paved in the years to come.
Koehler said public works crews performed a majority of the work so far, which has saved the borough money.
Garbage collection service is provided up to the resident’s garage door and not just curbside like many municipalities.
Weekend recycling program at the borough building also remains intact. Residents can come Saturdays and Sundays. Bulk items including glass, cardboard and mixed metals can be recycled.
Council President Andy Bennett commended the administration for their tireless efforts in crafting the budget and being fiscally responsible.
Taxes were raised in 2019 by 0.45-mill to boost road improvements.
Capital projects to move forward in the coming months include McCahill Park backstops and ball fields being redone, along with a new walking trail and storm water controls. The project is still in the design phase.
Estimated cost is $300,000 with some costs to be offset with grants.
“It’s going to be an exciting year because of the renovations,” Koehler said. “That’s a great benefit.”
Work also continues on a new public works garage behind the borough building along Fox Chapel Road next to the recycling center.
The manager said construction has gotten under way with walls being built. It is expected to have solar panels to power borough operations. It is unclear when the project will be complete.
The budget is available for review at the borough office and online at fox-chapel.pa.us.