No real estate tax increase for 2020 in Cheswick

The property tax rate will remain the same next year for Cheswick property owners.

Council passed a 2020 budget of $1.78 million that keeps the borough’s real estate tax rate of 5.85 mills.

The total includes 0.25-mill dedicated to the library.

A Cheswick homeowner would continue to pay $608 in real estate taxes on the median home with an assessed value of $104,000.

Council President Paul Jack said that council has been able to pass a budget without a tax hike because “we’ve worked hard to lower costs and expenses.”

There are no new sources of revenue, he added.

There were savings across the board, according to council members, including small details like switching out street lighting to LED lights and fixing a number of water leaks.

The biggest savings is paying less for police protection.

Springdale Township and Cheswick merged their police departments in May, creating the Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department.

Annually, the borough will save about $100,000 a year, according to Councilman Michael Girardi.

Another area of saving is public works, according to Councilwoman Kathy Gillard, who oversees public works. She credits the new position of public works coordinator, filled by Sam Sack in October, with helping to cut expenses.