Trafford approves budget, reexamines comprehensive plan

Trafford borough council members last week approved a 2023 spending plan of just over $2 million that does not include a tax increase.

The budget was balanced with an infusion of $ 559,731.88 from the general fund balance. Compared with this year, the borough will cut expenditures by $313,436 in 2023 and see revenues drop by $453,275.

The majority of changes to the budget between this year and last were decreases in expenses

The budget calls for belt-tightening across a number of categories, including the areas of tax collection and other general government spending.

Jaime Peticca, borough manager, said she tried to focus on removing unnecessary expenses when formulating the spending plan.

“I cut the budget a lot this year,” she said. “There was a lot of excess, and we’re trying to trim the fat. Our general fund obligation bond that we are utilizing to take out and pay for the building that we are all currently working in is doubling this year. Payroll expenses went up, and a lot of different expenses like gas, electric and utilities are going up. I’m taking a hard look at the areas that we need to maybe cut back in.”

As rising inflation and costs have impacted the borough, Peticca has worked to decrease spending on capital purchases, or larger purchases such as “any type of major machinery purchases, any type of huge sewer projects, any large amount that we may need to spend to improve streets, roads, buildings and parks,” she said.

“Little things here and there all really added up, but the biggest one is looking at our capital expenditures,” she said. “We don’t have any major projects planned this year. Hopefully, we will get some grants to do a few things.”

The budget has seen some reorganization of categories, as well, she said, with insurance expenses being moved to the end of the budget instead of being bundled into specific categories.

“Everything is increasing (in price) across the board, from contracted service work, for a mechanic to work on your car, oil is more expensive, tires are more expensive, even though we have seen the costs of that start to decrease,” she said.

Council members also voted to work with nonprofit organization Scenic Pittsburgh to update Trafford’s 13-year-old comprehensive plan, with a focus on refreshing zoning regulations.

At the meeting, Scenic Pittsburgh representatives spoke with council about their history as an organization and about the benefits of having an updated comprehensive plan.

Scenic Pittsburgh will receive $10,000 for the work.

Peticca expects the update process to take about a year and a half.

“We’re going to reconvene here at the beginning of the year to get a game plan as to how we’re going to proceed forward and a timeline and outline of everything,” Peticca said. “I think it’s very important to have community input into a comprehensive plan.”