Sewickley officials approve 2024 budget, hold the line on real estate taxes

Sewickley property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes next year as part of the borough’s budget.

Council unanimously approved its 2024 spending plan and tax ordinance at its Dec. 12 meeting.

Budget documents indicate the tax rate will remain 6.25 mills.

The borough has not raised taxes for at least the past six years.

Borough Manager Donna Kaib said budget figures did not change from the preliminary spending plan approved last month.

There are no cuts to programs or services.

“We’re looking forward to a productive 2024 year serving the residents of Sewickley Borough,” Kaib said.

Projected revenues and expenses were listed at about $9.83 million.

Expected income includes about $3.21 million in real estate taxes; $2.136 million in Act 511 taxes, including earned income and business privilege taxes; $739,000 in state capital and operating grants; about $97,000 in charges for services; more than $76,000 in business licenses and fines; and about $40,000 in rents and royalties.

Expected spending includes about $2.23 million for police protection; $1.19 million for public works; close to $700,000 for executive government, including administrative salaries, health insurance and office supplies; $421,000 for fire protection; $374,000 for municipal building maintenance; $169,000 for legal services; $140,000 for engineering services; $72,000 for code enforcement; and $62,000 for tax collection.

Council President Cynthia Mullins said the budget includes about $2.5 million in unspent funds for various projects such as HVAC work for the borough building, policy body cameras, park improvements, a historic assets survey, replacement of light poles in the central business district and crosswalk upgrades.

She noted an increase to fire department contributions and how projected budget spending is about $400,000 less than 2022 expenditures.

Mullins commended Kaib and her team for developing a spending plan that addresses borough needs and maintains services without additional burdens to taxpayers.

“One of Donna’s strengths is budgeting,” she said. “This was a very smooth budgeting process. She’s been very good at keeping our finances in order.”

In other business

Council renewed franchise agreements with Comcast and Verizon.

The Comcast deal is for 10 years and Verizon’s is five years. Both have a 5% franchise fee.

Kaib said the fee is based off annual gross revenue from residents who have these service providers.

Total fees generate about $75,000 for the borough.

Council unanimously appointed several residents to volunteer boards and commissions.

Matthew McDonald was appointed to the civil service commission for a six-year term expiring at the end of 2029.

Heather Wildman Figley was appointed to the historic review commission for a three-year term expiring at the end of 2026.

Blair Chan, Nicole Kriebel and Thomas Wingens were appointed to the planning commission for three-year terms that expire at the end of 2026.

Kirby Walker was appointed to the water authority for a five-year term expiring at the end of 2028.

Danielle Shinsky was appointed to the shade tree commission for a one-year term expiring at the end of next year.

Emily Brimmer was appointed to the zoning hearing board for a three-year term expiring at the end of 2026.

Council approved changing its workshop and voting meeting times from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Dates remain the fourth Tuesday of the month for the workshop and the second Tuesday of the month for regular meetings.

More information about borough activities is available at sewickleyborough.org.