Vandergrift Council passes 2022 budget with no property tax increase
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Vandergrift residents will not see a property tax increase next year.
Council passed a final $2.4 million budget Monday. The real estate tax rate will remain at 28 mills.
The borough’s budget projects revenue of about $2.2 million and expenses totaling $2.4 million.
The difference will be made up from about $200,000 left over from this year.
According to municipal documents, the borough expects to collect about $21,000 more in real estate taxes, compared to this year.
Total garbage disposal fees are budgeted for almost $416,000 for next year. That’s an increase of more than $40,000, or about 11%.
The hike is fueled by anticipated vehicle repairs and maintenance, recycling, the cost of collection and salaries and an expected increase in landfill fees totaling $19,000.
Outgoing Mayor Barb Turiak praised Borough Secretary Steve DelleDonne for his budget work. “Steve is so good at managing everything, so we are very fortunate to have him,” Turiak said.
Salaries and expense for council’s members are budgeted at $17,050 for 2022, the same figure as 2021. Council did not spend the $12,000 budgeted this year for the annual Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs convention, which was canceled during the pandemic.
The mayor’s salary and phone expenses are expected to cost $1,450, an increase from $1,230 budgeted for this year.
The borough secretary’s salary will increase more than $1,600 next year, making the annual wage just under $65,400. That’s an increase of 2.5%.
The assistant secretary is budgeted to receive a pay hike of more than $2,200, to $31,200. That’s a 7.5% increase.
Police expenses are expected to increase by more than $47,500, or about 5.5%, to $851,000. The budget calls for increased spending in pensions, salaries, insurance, school guard salaries, supplies and equipment.
Solicitor’s fees are expected to decrease by about $5,300 (15%), with $29,000 budgeted for 2022.
The budget is available for the public to review at the borough building, 109 Grant Ave.