Export council will consider $734,000 budget with no tax hike for 2022
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Export officials next month will consider a 2022 budget with just under $734,000 in expenditures that will potentially use a combination of updated rental ordinances and un-designated funding to plug a gap of about $14,500.
Initial revenue projections for 2022 were about $657,000. Mayor Joe Zaccagnini proposed updating the borough’s rental ordinance to include a $200-per-year license fee for landlords, as well as a requirement that rental units be inspected once every two years.
Borough officials and solicitor Wes Long said if it is enacted, the update would allow for better collection of earned income taxes, and provide a more accurate way to keep track of residents in the borough’s 312 rental units.
That program was estimated to bring in just over $62,000, with administrative costs of about $14,000. Zaccagnini said the remaining budget gap, about $14,500, could be supplemented with existing borough funds that are not designated for any specific expense.
Borough officials expect to begin the new year with $371,000 spread across various departments, including more than $300,000 in a certificate of deposit.
The borough’s final regular meeting of 2021 is set for 6:30 p.m., Dec. 7 at the borough building, 5821 Washington Avenue.
Fillmore Ave. wall project
The borough’s current Community Development Block Grant project, a retaining wall along Fillmore Avenue near the Export Community Playground, has received approval.
Council President Barry Delissio said engineers from Gibson-Thomas “are ready to go, and the project could potentially be done in the winter months.”
Delissio said they will explore the possibility of using the project to create additional parking for park visitors, depending on whether it would add to the overall cost.
Light Up Night
Export will hold its annual Light Up Night celebration from 6-9 p.m., Dec. 3 in the area in front of the borough building and fire department.
Additional details will be released in the coming weeks, and while residents will still have access to Lincoln Avenue, the celebration area will be closed from 5-10 p.m.