WAYNESBORO, PA.
Borough property owners won't see a hike in their 2006 tax bill next year if predictions Wednesday night by Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger hold true.
Last year, the council approved a special 3-mill tax hike to allow the borough to borrow up to $1.3 million toward the reconstruction or resurfacing of nearly 70 percent of its 97 streets on a 10-year payback schedule.
It is costing the owner of an average-priced home about $50 more a year in taxes over the next three years.
The $1.3 million won't cover everything that is needed on the streets, council members have said.
Kevin Grubbs, head of borough engineering, told the council Wednesday night that the final project for the year, reconstruction of sections of Second Street, is being wrapped up.
Hamberger said a preliminary look at the 2006 budget, which goes into effect Jan. 1, calls for revenue of about $3.7 million and expenses of about $3.8 million. That represents a shortage of about $144,000, he said. It will be made up with the year-end surplus.
"We took in more than we expected and spent less than we thought we would," Hamberger said.
One mill brings in about $55,000, Hamberger said. A mill represents $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
Department heads will start bringing in their 2006 budget requests beginning with the council's first budget session later this month.
Hamberger said he expects the council to hold four to five sessions before members are ready to adopt the new budget, some time before the Dec. 31 deadline.
