East Petersburg Borough's 2026 Budget Proposed: No Tax Hike, Water Bills Up 3%
East Petersburg Borough is set to discuss its 2026 budget at an upcoming council meeting. The draft budget, presented by borough manager Karen St. Clair, projects a total of $2.75 million. Notably, it does not include a property tax increase, but water bills will rise by 3%.
The draft budget, to be considered at the Nov. 5 meeting starting at 7 p.m., shows a 9% increase in general fund expenses. This is primarily due to higher wages, insurance costs, police services, and general operating expenses. The first 5,000 gallons of water used will also increase, from about $79 to nearly $82, with the additional revenue earmarked for water equipment maintenance and other projects.
Emergency management coordinator Violet De Stefano has advised the borough to sign a resolution. This would make them eligible for select grant funding, which requires an approved hazard mitigation plan.
The 2026 budget, if approved, will rely mainly on property taxes (55%) and earned income and local services taxes (31%). Borough manager Karen St. Clair will ask council for a motion to approve the budget at the Nov. 5 meeting, with final approval expected at the Dec. 2 meeting.
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