Proposed 2024 Pine budget keeps township at lowest millage rate in county

Pine is once again on track to have the lowest real estate tax rate in Allegheny County, as the proposed budget for 2024 maintains the rate at 0.998 mills.

In addition, the budget has been designed to accommodate the maximum allowable Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion, 50% of the median assessed value of residential property in the township.

Pine’s general fund revenues are projected to increase by 6.78% over the 2023 budget. Projected 2023 tax revenues are expected to exceed budget by about 16%.

“Although we continue to be cautious in light of these national economic trends, we still expect a modest increase in Act 511 Taxes in 2024. Budgeting for real property taxes is conservatively budgeted due to the uncertainty of the common level ratio in our county,” said township manager Jason Kratsas.

The 2024 Capital Program is proposed to focus on enhancing township infrastructure across all departments. Some of the highlights for next year include:

• Upgrades to the Pine Athletic Complex, the construction of a new permanent amphitheater stage and seating, and increasing parking in strategic areas.

• The completion of traffic improvements, such as the signalization of Babcock Boulevard and Bakerstown Road, and upgrades to the signal system on Route 19.

• Completion of trails, including the Harmony Trail at Route 910 and two sections of trail to further the connectivity of Pine Community Park to the Pine Richland Campus.

Next year will see an increase in financial support to the Wexford Volunteer Fire Co., which is slated to receive $309,990, a 12.51% increase over 2023. The fire company will receive a $585,500 reimbursement for capital equipment purchases and capital construction, a decrease of 63.92%, as the 2023 budget included a purchase of a new rescue truck. The township also covers the cost of workers’ compensation, property insurance on vehicles and buildings, and administrative support services for the fire department.

The Northern Regional Police Department will receive $2,167,040 in support, a decrease of 1.33% over 2023 due to an offset of contributions in 2024 as a result of a returned surplus of $535,726 to member municipalities. The majority of public safety funding goes toward policing. Pine shares the cost of providing police protection with Richland, Marshall and Bradford Woods.

The township will make a one-time contribution of $40,000 for the McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, a new item in the 2024 budget.

The Northern Tier Regional Library will receive $304,840 in financial support, an increase of 1.92% over 2023.

Kratsas reported that while the township has completed its pollution reduction program for Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Municipal Separate Storm Sewer requirements, “MS4 expenditures will continue to be a significant budget item. The next round of the pollution reduction program will be developed in 2024.”

The budget is set to be voted on at the Dec. 5 board of supervisors meeting. A copy is available online at twp.pine.pa.us.