Perryopolis council approves 2017 budget with no tax increase
PERRYOPOLIS — Borough council adopted a 2017 budget that does not include a tax increase.
The budget includes $838,253 in revenue and $825,277 in expenses, with net gain of $12,976.
“It’s going to be a tight year,” Councilman Bob Zundel said.
The current real estate tax rate of 3.701 mills will remain the same.
Revenue from property taxes is listed at $230,000. The largest expense is $295,229 for public safety.
In addition, the budget contains a $13,000 contribution to the Perryopolis Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire Chief A.J. Boni asked council to increase the amount to $15,000, the same amount Perry Township is contributing. Boni is chairman of the township board of supervisors.
He acknowledged that the borough gave $10,000 to the department this year.
The $13,000 contribution equates to $3 for each borough resident and $15,000 would equate to $5 per resident, Boni said.
“I think we can all agree for $5 per person it’s a bargain,” Boni said.
The fire station is located in the borough and the department is in its 90th year of operation, he said.
Several council members said they would like to increase the allocation to $15,000, but wanted to wait until June before deciding on increasing the amount.
Councilman Frank Masney Jr. said the borough’s expenses including employee benefits have increased.
Budget revenues include $90,000 from the Frazier School District for school resource officers from the police department.
Council approved a three-year contract, retroactive to Aug. 29, to provide the officers to the district.
A request for $1,137 to pay for expenses for the police dog was tabled.