Carnegie passes 2021 budget without raising taxes

Carnegie held the line on property taxes heading into 2021.

The borough’s council unanimously approved the $6.8 million budget during a Dec. 28 meeting. Council president Sue Demko was absent.

The budget represents a 2.9 increase in spending compared to 2020’s plan. Still, the borough expects to net a little over $4,000, according to the financial forecast.

The budget, prepared by manager Steve Beuter, expects losses in revenue from permits, fines and fees and a host of other typical income generators, such as taxes from property, business and earned income.

Those slated for salary increases include the manager, police and public works staff. Departments like the library and park maintenance will also see an increase in funding, according to the spending plan.

The budget shows an approximately $81,000 increase in the borough’s pension obligation next year.

In addition to the passing of the borough’s general fund budget, council also approved the sewer and liquid fuels budgets for 2021 unanimously.

Council vice president Phil Boyd described each budget as “tight” and “solid.” He said the budget’s lower revenue projections should help make up for ongoing pressures from the covid-19 pandemic.

“I think we’ll be in good shape,” he said, adding the budget also allocates around $60,000 to be used as a match for an expected grant on a shelter at Carnegie Park.

The borough’s real estate millage rate will remain at 6.75 mills.

“I’m very happy that we did not have to increase real estate taxes for the year 2021,” Boyd said.