Sharpsburg residents will pay the same real estate taxes to the borough in 2021, despite the lingering pandemic and its economic impacts.

Council approved the borough’s $2. 5 million budget, holding the property tax rate steady at 7.5 mills. The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 will again pay $750 to the borough in property tax.

Residents also pay 19.86 mills in Fox Chapel Area School District taxes, which is $1,986 on a home assessed at $100,000.

“Earned income tax is holding steady, and everything is remaining stable as we work through covid-19,” Manager Bill Rossey said.

Highlights of the spending plan include about $72,000 for the manger/council/mayor; $100,000 for engineering costs; $70,000 for front office; $58,000 for code enforcement; $44,000 for crossing guards and $349,532 for streets.

Council approved nearly $863,358 for police expenses and $122,880 for the volunteer fire department.

Rossey said paving for 2021 is expected to cost about $80,000, and council is scheduled to put the work out for bid in February. A list of roads to be targeted will be released after council’s approval next month.

Councilmember Jon Jaso said measured spending is the right approach in a year with a lingering pandemic.

Residents still will see plenty of improvements but costs will largely be paid through grants and other donations.

The most significant project in 2021 will be the Main Street upgrades, a sweeping plan that will cost more than $2 million and be paid with help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Allegheny County Department of Community and Economic Development.

Money will be used to install safer sidewalks, lighting and benches. Crosswalks and ramps will be improved, and there will be new street lights, trash cans and bike racks.

The goal is to make the downtown business district more walkable.

“The Main Street project is not affecting the budget,” Jaso said.

Work is dependent on necessary permits that are expected to be approved this spring.

Jaso said equipment at the 16th Street Playground and Kennedy Park will be upgraded and replaced, but also will be paid for by grants and donations. The police department is scheduled to receive new body cameras but most of the cost was tied to last year’s budget, Jaso said.

He appreciates that residents will see projects and purchases that didn’t come with budgetary woes.

“With covid-19, I want to see more austerity measures to ensure that we are fiscally sound with the uncertainty going forward,” he said.

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