Dec 22, 2015 2 min read

CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Borough Council adopted the borough’s 2016 budget Friday, holding the line on property taxes for the coming year.

The budget, prepared by borough secretary Brandi Streit, calls for $133,924 in spending and $138,292 in revenue, which will leave the borough with a $4,367 surplus at the end of the year.

Total spending is only expected to increase from this year by $6,401. The budget is fairly similar to this year’s spending plan, Streit said.

Property taxes in the borough will remain at 2.85 mills. The borough has not raised property taxes in at least 20 years.

Major spending categories in the budget include public works, $34,193; secretary/clerk, $23,700; police department $19,937; insurance and workers compensation, $14,500; street lights, $10,500; general administration, $4,484; Social Security, $5,500; general government/building, $3,820; and tax collection, $3,050.

Revenue will include $104,121 from taxes, which includes $36,121 from property taxes and $55,000 earned income taxes; $21,290 from permits and fees; and $25,381 from fines.

The budget also estimates Act 13 impact fee revenue at $12,500.

The budget was adopted unanimously at a special meeting in which all council members were present.

Council will next meet to reorganize at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4. Councilman Ralph McWilliams, whose term has expired, will leave council.

Council members Charles Walker and Josephine Gresko were re-elected in the November election. David Antonini also was elected to the council.

Other council members are Mike Dohanich and Marianne Gideon.