Canonsburg passes budget
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CANONSBURG – Canonsburg Borough Council Monday passed a $4.9 million budget for 2015 with a 1-mill tax increase. The property tax increase will cost the average borough homeowner an additional $11.50 a year.
Council approved the budget by a 4-3 vote. President John Bevec, Vice President Rich Russo, Fran Coleman and Joseph McGarry voted in favor. Paul Sharkady, John Severine and Tim Bilsky voted against the budget.
Bilsky said he voted against the budget because of the tax increase, the proceeds of which, he said, could be used in part to pay a full-time firefighter.
“I took a stance for keeping taxes where they are,” he said. “We have enough money. We aren’t willing to make the hard decisions elsewhere to free up money.”
Last month, when council passed an identical tentative budget, Russo said several factors necessitated the increase, including an increase in employee wages and health insurance costs.
The borough has not yet addressed hiring a full-time firefighter, but Bilsky said Monday’s decision foreshadows their final decision.
“Four agree with the (hiring),” he said.
Council and Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome also honored police Chief R.T. Bell and Deputy Chief Harold Coleman for their four decades of service to the borough. Both men are slated to retire.