Ross adopts 2024 budget with no tax increase

Ross commissioners in December approved the 2024 township budget with no tax increase.

The real estate tax rate remains at 2.7 mills, with residents owning property with an assessed value of $134,200, the median in Ross, paying the township an average of $362.34 on their tax bills.

The budget includes more than $26.8 million each in expenditures and revenues, about a 7.9% increase from 2023.

Notable expenditures include $20,000 committed to trail projects and $230,000 to improvements at Amity Park, pavilion enclosures, court resurfacing and creating an Athletic Field Master Plan. John Herb Field has been budgeted to have the infield turfed in an effort to increase playability for multiple age groups.

A total of $545,406 has been dedicated to the maintenance and programming at Northland Public Library, which serves four municipalities in addition to Ross.

The township’s annual road program is budgeted at $2 million by using the prior year’s fund balance. Nelson Run bridge is budgeted to be replaced in 2024. The township will use a $200,000 grant to offset the cost of the project.

The budget summary notes that the Public Safety and Public Works departments constitute the two largest areas of expenditures: $272,500 will be dedicated to police equipment and improvements, and $180,500 is budgeted for public works.

The township and Allegheny County Sanitary Authority are scheduled for a sewage treatment rate increase at 7% each for 2024.

On the revenue side, the increase is attributable primarily to gains in the township’s nontax revenue, including previously budgeted American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2023.

The township listed its main sources of revenue as real estate tax, earned income tax and business privilege tax.

The 2024 budget is available at ross.pa.us.