Blawnox property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes next year.
However, sewer and water rates are going up in 2026.
Council voted 6-0 Dec. 10 to pass the budget and maintain the tax rate at 10.85 mills.
Councilman Mark Lombardi was absent. Council last raised taxes by 1 mill in 2023.
Matt Stanczak, councilman and finance chair, said there were no changes to the budget from its proposed form last month.
Budget revenues and expenses were listed at about $1.69 million.
Projected income includes about $842,000 in real estate taxes, $344,000 in Act 511 taxes, including earned income and local services tax; about $48,000 in interest and rent, $34,700 in intergovernmental funds, just over $27,000 in licenses and permits, about $26,000 in charges for services and just under $9,000 in fines.
Projected spending includes more than $565,000 for police services, about $317,000 for public works, close to $140,000 for executive and general government including administrative salaries, office supplies and advertising, about $124,000 for debt service, $84,000 for government buildings and maintenance, $47,000 for payroll and financial administration, $46,000 for fire service, about $26,000 for tax collection, $21,600 for administrative technology, $20,000 for legal services, $19,700 for planning and zoning and $9,000 for engineering services.
The budget is available for review at the borough office.
“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work from the borough staff, and participation of council to make sure we are staying within our current tax base and maintaining our cost structure for another year,” Stanczak said. “We’re maintaining the same level of service in 2026 as we are in 2025.”
There are no major purchases, paving, park upgrades or other developments in the proposed budget.
Stanczak said roads will be evaluated next year for future repairs.
Council vice president Randall Stoddard said he is proud of everyone’s collaboration in keeping taxes low despite inflationary pressures.
“It’s always good when we can balance (the budget) and do what we have to do,” he said. “If we can do it and keep the taxes the same, that’s always our goal. I think taxes are high enough. Everybody involved works very hard to keep the taxes as low as we can. We live here, too.”
The budget passing was one of the first major accomplishments for newly hired borough manager Cory Dennison, who took over for retiring manager Kathy Ulanowicz on Dec. 5.
He had been shadowing the longtime administrator and borough resident since Nov. 3.
Council ratified Dennison’s appointment Dec. 10.
“I really appreciate all the council members who helped make this transition as easy as possible,” Dennison said after the meeting. “We have a great staff here at Blawnox. It was a nice night.
“It’s great to have the budget passed. I know staff and council have been working on that for a good three months. To get that done here before the end of the year will really put us on the right footing for 2026. I think it shows the good financial position that Blawnox is in right now, and we’re all really proud of that.”
