Indiana Township officials plan to hold the line on real estate taxes in next year's budget

Indiana Township property owners should not expect to pay more in real estate taxes as part of the township’s 2024 budget.

Supervisors recently approved a preliminary spending plan for next year, which holds the line on taxes.

There are no cuts to programs or services.

The budget was scheduled for formal adoption Dec. 12.

The millage rate is listed at 3.47 mills with 2.99 mills for the township and 0.48 mills for the fire departments.

Projected revenues and expenses were listed at nearly $6.107 million.

Proposed income includes about $2.412 million in real estate taxes, $2.323 million in Act 511 taxes including earned income and local services taxes, $200,000 in permits, franchise fees, fines and interest, $112,500 in rents and royalties and $210,000 in recreational and environmental fees.

Proposed expenses include about $1.635 million for police, $900,000 for insurances, $535,000 for paving, $451,000 for loans, $205,000 for code enforcement, $184,000 for government building maintenance, $117,000 for fire protection, $80,000 for tax collection, $40,000 for EMS and $15,000 for the Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

The budget is available for review via the township’s website, indianatownship.com.

Township Manager Daniel Anderson said township investment growth has helped offset increased expenses.

“Fortunately, the township’s assessed value has continued to increase due to new development being added,” Anderson said. “Despite our recent growth, Indiana Township continues to be the least densely populated municipality within the (Fox Chapel Area) School District. Growth and development has contributed to the township’s strong financial position.”

Anderson said fees imposed on developers such as traffic, recreation and environmental impacts also “protect the health, safety and general welfare of all our residents.”

Plans for next year include updating the comprehensive plan to help develop strategies for the next decade, strengthen the planned residential development section of the township’s zoning ordinance and codify its ordinances.

“We are a model (of) good government to our neighbors,” Mayor Darrin Krally said. “West Deer is following our model as we speak. Our financial growth strategy is working as planned. Our growth and financial health really does show that we have been paying attention and doing appropriate things to control expenses and keep our taxes in line.

“Our success and notation as a Banner Community goes to show that the citizens in the know support our board majority because we’re doing the right things ALL the time. We are very proud of our accomplishments and plan to continue our best practices over the next four years.”

The Banner Community Program recognizes municipalities that distinguish themselves as model communities through a commitment to effective, efficient and accountable government principles through implementation of recognized best practices in providing constituent services.

The program is made possible through the Allegheny League of Municipalities in conjunction with Allegheny County and program sponsor HRG Engineering.