Indiana Township officials plan to hold the line on real estate taxes with next year's budget

Indiana Township property owners should not expect to pay more in real estate taxes to balance next year’s budget.

Supervisors unanimously voted Nov. 13 to advertise its estimated $6.5 million 2025 budget.

Budget documents indicate the millage rate will remain at 3.47 mills, with 2.99 mills for township operations and 0.48 mills for the fire departments.

There are no cuts to programs or services.

Projected income includes about $2.58 million in Act 511 taxes including earned income and local services tax; $2.36 million in real estate taxes; $248,000 in recreational and environmental fees; $236,500 in shared state revenues; $235,500 in franchise fees, fines, interest and permits; and $65,000 in health insurance reimbursements.

Projected spending includes $1.85 million for police; $1.551 million for highway maintenance and public infrastructure; $980,000 for insurance; $619,600 for administration including salaries, benefits and supplies; $225,000 for code enforcement; $129,000 for planning and zoning and emergency management; $115,500 for fire protection; and $87,500 for tax collection.

Finance director Ann Moss said the township has grown in recent years with more people moving into the area.

“We have had some new developments so our earned income tax has increased with the additional population,” Moss said. “We love (to provide) services.”

Deputy Mayor Darrin Krally commended Moss and township Manager Daniel Anderson for their efforts in crafting the budget.

He said the administration and supervisors have thoroughly reviewed the plan and do not anticipate any major changes before its formal adoption Dec. 11.

“It’s controlled growth,” Krally said. “We’re able to run it (the township) like a business, and it is profitable.

“We look at it from a big-picture perspective. We look at our priorities. We line them up and, ultimately, we direct the financial resources to hit those objectives and we watch it closely.

“We run through (the budget) line by line, and I don’t think (there will be changes) unless there is anything odd that happens between now and then.”

Some highlights

The township has budgeted about $350,000 for paving next year.

Krally said they have a multiyear plan to help maintain the roads and hope to make improvements to between 10 to 20 streets next year depending on the cost of materials.

The township’s contribution to the Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel was boosted from $15,000 to $20,000.

“Our residents do use the library,” Krally said. “We’re a good supporter. That increase is over 33%. We want to do our part.”

Some of the capital projects being planned for next year include $57,000 for computers for the police department as well as $67,000 for a new police car.

About $425,000 is planned for a salt shed addition and roof, and $100,000 is planned for a new sidewalk at Emmerling Park.

The budget is available for review at the Town Hall, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd.