No tax increase in Shaler proposed budget

Shaler commissioners presented a proposed 2024 budget with no tax raises on Nov. 14.

The budget includes more than $16.3 million in expenditures with almost $14.8 million in revenue. The proposal calls for the township’s millage rate to stay at 3.49 with residents owning property with an assessed value of $132,822 continuing to pay the township an average of $463.55 on their tax bill.

Property and local service taxes make up 44% of total revenue, while earned income tax, deed transfer and mechanical device taxes (Act 511 taxes) make up 35% of revenue.

“Typically, we’re very conservative on both ends,” said township manager Christopher Lovato. “We hope to have more revenue and we hope to have less expenditures. From a budget process, we estimate our revenues low and we hope to estimate our expenditures high and hope to meet somewhere in the middle.”

More than $1.5 million will be dedicated to the general government budget. This encapsulates municipal building operations, legal fees, computer services, engineering, the finance office, the board of commissioners and the township manager’s office.

More than $6.3 million will be used for public safety, a 7.5% increase from last year. This includes support for Shaler Hampton EMS and six volunteer fire companies, and the demolition of several abandoned structures.

Public works will see more than $5.3 million — $1.1 million of that money will go towards paving, and if needed, additional funds will be drawn from the liquid fuel fund. The township is also planning to purchase a Mack dump truck and a Ford F-550 with a portion of the fund. A total of $736,500 has been earmarked to repair storm sewers.

More than $1.8 million will be used for parks and recreation. The money will cover support for Shaler North Hills Library, maintenance for the township’s parks, operation of the Crawford Pool and Shaler Shack concession stand and community events hosted by the township.

Non-departmental expenditures include just under $966,000.

There will be a public hearing on Dec. 12 to address the budget, and an official budget will be voted on that night. Lovato said the budget is available for residents to view at the township building.