Sharpsburg residents face 25% tax increase in 2023

Sharpsburg residents could be facing a considerable property tax increase in 2023.

Council approved a tentative $4.6 million budget, which includes $1.2 million in a sewer fund and $78,000 in liquid fuels.

The proposed budget includes a property tax increase of 2.25 mills, to 9.75.

If approved, the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $975, up from $750.

“We are navigating the past for a better future for the borough,” Councilmember Kayla Portis said.

“We are discussing ways to use our resources to our advantage. Taxes will be going up unfortunately, but we must keep up with the times.”

The budget is on display at the municipal building. Council could take a final vote during a meeting on Nov. 17.

If another meeting is required, it will be scheduled on Dec. 22.

Manager Christine DeRunk said she is waiting on approval of about $615,000 in grants to determine which projects might be possible next year.

“If we receive all grant funds, some of the projects include extending the streetscaping project, replacing catch basins, installing ADA curb ramps and two demolitions,” DeRunk said.

“The borough is also looking to redesign the website to make it more user-friendly.”

If approved, the grants would require a local match of about $12,200.

Councilman Jon Jaso would like to see the proposed tax increase come down a bit.

“I do acknowledge that something has to change, but I am against it as we are all facing crushing inflation and costs from other areas that are going up,” Jaso said. “We are hitting residents over the head with a sledgehammer.”

He said a tax increase is necessary, but Jaso believes council should work harder to reduce spending and cut costs where possible.

“We can reassess month-by-month and hope that we can get things under control,” Jaso said. “There could possibly be another increase in 2024, but by then, we should have a much better grasp of where we are and where the borough wants to be financially.”

According to DeRunk, general fund expenses have exceeded revenues since at least 2018, causing the borough to spend down its cash reserves that were largely available from the years when the borough was in the water business.

Those revenues were never replaced.

To help balance the 2023 budget, the street paving fund was eliminated.

“Things are going to be very tight next year and possibly 2024,” Jaso said.

“But we have to tighten our belts and make do with less.”