No property tax hike planned for North Apollo

North Apollo’s proposed budget for 2025, if passed, would come with no increase to real estate taxes.

The millage rate would remain at 12.09 mills, meaning the owner of a home with the median assessed property value of $25,000 would continue to pay $302 a year to the borough.

Expenses are projected at $783,000, compared to just $756,000 in revenues. The borough would dip into its reserves to make up the $27,000 difference, bringing the rainy day fund down to $330,000.

The largest spending category would be public works, which includes road work, laborer wages, garbage pickup and more. That allotment would decrease from $409,000 to $377,000.

Spending on government administration would climb from $145,000 to $160,000.

Public safety costs would grow from $93,000 to $95,000. Within that section, $64,000 would be set aside for contracted police services — a figure that likely is too low based on bids received.

Kiski Township, which currently provides police coverage, has offered to continue the arrangement for $68,000 next year. Apollo also has made a $90,000 bid. The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department withdrew its $60,000 first-year proposal earlier this month after council repeatedly delayed its decision.

Council will need to make a call on police coverage before the end of the year or risk defaulting to state police protection.

North Apollo once again will pay $90,000 in debt service.

The parks and recreation category — primarily made up of a $14,000 library donation — would stay at $17,000.

Final adoption is scheduled for Monday.

The proposed budget is available for review at the borough building, 1421 Leonard Ave.