FRACKVILLE — Real estate taxes are expected to remain the same for residents as the borough council tentatively adopted its 2017 general operating budget.
The vote was 6-0 in favor of the proposed revenue and spending plan that keeps real estate taxes at 17.08 mills. Each mill brings in about $45,000.
Council Vice President Peter Zuber, who chaired the meeting and is also the Finance Committee chairman, read the budget totals.
“There is no tax increase and the millage will stay at 17.08,” Zuber said.
The estimated revenues in 2017 are $2,087,839, and estimated expenditures are $2,079,031, leaving a surplus of $8,808. The 2016 budget had revenues at $2,147,768, which is $59,929 higher than the proposed budget plan.
The budgeted expenditures in 2016 are $2,129,839, which is $50,808 higher than the tentative budget. The estimate surplus in 2016 is $17,929.
The motion to tentatively adopt was made by council member Karen Domalakes, seconded by Charles Berger.
Before the vote, Berger said, “I’d like to thank all on council for working on this budget and getting to the point of no tax increase.”
The budget shows estimated real estate tax revenues at $660,000, plus the collection of delinquent taxes of $90,000, bringing the total real estate property tax income at $750,000. Occupation taxes remain the same in the new year at $12,000, and all Act 511 taxes (per capita, real estate transfer, earned income, occupational privilege) at $383,100, an increase of $11,000 over 2016. Estimated rental income shows an increase from $83,000 in 2016 to $99,000 in 2017.
Expenditures show the salaries for mayor and council members remain the same, as do many other expenses for running the government. Workers compensation costs is increasing from $38,229 to $45,548.
Total costs for police protection, which includes salaries, vehicle costs, computer and others expenses increase from $732,720 in 2016 to $768,539 in 2017. The increase includes the purchase of a license plate reader at $17,500.
The budget will be formally adopted at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the municipal building.
