Media holds line on taxes in new spending plan
MEDIA >> The borough administration has clearly sharpened pencils and submitted a balanced budget of $8.9 million. The property tax stays the same at
3.00 mills, which equates to
$300 for a home assessed at
$100,000. Although all real estate taxes bring in about
$1.2 million — a relatively small portion of needed revenue — the Act 511 “enabling” taxes are closer to
$5 million. These include EIT (Earned Income Taxes), real estate transfer, mercantile, business privilege and local services taxes. Among other substantial revenue are rent of borough-owned properties at $885,000 and parking meter income of
$550,000.
On the expenditure side, salaries, benefits, pensions and all costs related to police protection amount to
$3.8 million, about a third of the general operating budget. Council’s discussion of needs in the area of public safety is, essentially, continuous. The borough’s position as county seat, as well as robust business and event activities lead to decisions about staffing and coverage.
Leading other expenses are highway and general services at approximately
$1 million; borough administration and financial services at $845,995; and trash fees of $463,950. Contributions to a variety of borough and community organizations totaled $218,000.
The budget and tax levy will be considered for final passage at the December meeting.