Glen Osborne property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes in 2026 as part of the borough’s budget.
Council unanimously voted Dec. 16 to pass its 2026 budget and maintain the tax rate at 4.9 mills.
The last time real estate taxes were changed was a decrease from 5.2 mills to 4.9 mills in 2022.
Council President John Orndorff said there were no changes to the budget from its proposed form in November.
There are no cuts to programs or services.
Proposed revenues and expenses total about $751,000.
Projected income includes close to $410,000 in real estate taxes, including delinquent and transfer taxes, $247,000 in earned income taxes, $15,000 in interest, $18,000 in a Regional Asset Tax distribution, $9,500 in building permits, $7,000 from cable TV franchise fees and $4,000 in crossing guard reimbursements.
Projected spending includes close to $326,000 for public works; a little more than $200,000 for public safety, including police services, crossing guards and emergency management; $193,000 for administration including salaries, office supplies, insurances and tax collection; $124,000 for sanitation; $31,000 for public service, including beautification projects and website maintenance, and $29,500 for snow removal.
Orndorff said the borough is in good shape heading into the new year.
“I think we feel very good and solid and secure,” he said Dec. 23.
He commended Borough Secretary/Treasurer Diane Vierling and her attention to detail in keeping finances in check.
“Diane definitely takes the lead (with the budget),” Orndorff said. “She has all of the figures from previous years well in place and is very familiar with the variation in costs for different items. We depend a lot on her knowledge of the borough and how it’s functioned over the last decade.”
Multiple messages left for Vierling days after the council meeting were not returned.
Budget highlights
Infrastructure upgrades are being planned for next year. One project top of mind is the replacement of a stone wall at the base of Sycamore Road.
The wall is located by a sharp bend near the intersection of Sycamore Road and Beaver Street. The estimated replacement cost is about $300,000.
Orndorff said it needs to be addressed soon before it becomes an emergency repair.
Other projects include replacing sewer inlets and relining pipelines on Center Street.
Leaf collection is expected to resume late next fall.
The borough launched a pilot program with its new public works contractor, Brian’s Property Maintenance.
Orndorf said it was well-received, but council wants to evaluate finances after the winter before formally committing to its second year.
“I think we feel very good and solid and secure,” he said Dec. 23. “It seems to have worked out wonderfully. We have been so lucky in the last few years, having warm winters and few salt expenditures.
“We’ve used a lot more salt in this final stage of the year than we’re used to. It’s a little shocking to the finances of the borough, but manageable. … We have the option of buying more (salt) and are prepared to up our supply if it is warranted.”
Community collaboration
One expense that will remain constant in subsequent years is police protection.
Sewickley and Glen Osborne councils in November approved a new five-year contract with the Sewickley Police Department. Cost is $121,500 each year with no annual increases.
Officials from both communities said the new deal provides stability and assurances that help with finances and personnel.
Services will remain the same, with an officer at Osborne Elementary School for arrival and dismissal of students, responses to all emergency calls, and borough patrols at least twice a day.
