East Deer taxes to remain steady under proposed budget; garbage fees would increase more than 35%

East Deer property owners aren’t likely to see a tax increase next year under the township’s proposed $1.5 million general fund budget.

But they would pay more for garbage pickup — more than 35% more.

The township rebid its contract for the first time in eight years, resulting in the higher costs.

Under the proposed spending plan, Slickville-based Bankosh Sanitation would retain the contract and residents would pay $21 a month, up from $15.50.

If the proposed budget is approved, the tax rate would remain at 4.65 mills. The owner of a property assessed at $50,000 would again pay $232.50.

“We’re frugal,” Commissioner Tony Taliani said. “We’ve had three tax decreases in the last seven years.”

Taliani said commissioners worked hard to keep spending under control in next year’s budget but were still able to land significant infrastructure projects through the help of grants.

Commissioners will vote on the proposed budget at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the township municipal building, 927 Freeport Road.

Included in the budget proposal are several major projects in 2025.

A waterline project along Marion Street is expected to cost about $255,000. The township has been awarded about $215,000 through the PA Small Water and Sewer Program, with the local share about $41,000.

“That hasn’t been bid yet, but it should be going out any day,” Taliani said.

The proposed budget includes a $1 million water fund and a $184,500 liquid fuels plan.

Other significant work will happen on Crystal View Drive, near the Tarentum border.

The township was awarded nearly $100,000 in federal Community Development Block Grants for sewer line work.

Insight Pipe Contracting was awarded the project for $147,600. East Deer is responsible for about $49,500.

“We have a lot of big things in the works,” Taliani said.

Other projects include demolitions along Clarks Pike Road, Meadow Avenue and Days Run.