WEST MIFFLIN — West Mifflin officials are blaming an increase in property taxes next year on Kennywood Park's refusal to pay an amusement tax.

West Mifflin Borough Council President William Welsh said the board on Wednesday chose to raise taxes in the $12.8 million budget rather than cut services or positions.

The owner of a home valued at $100,000 will pay $100 more in taxes in 2008.

Kennywood stopped paying the amusement tax in September 2006 because park officials said the borough had not collected the money from other similar businesses.

In 2005, Kennywood sued the borough over the 5 percent tax. That case is pending.

Kennywood officials reject the borough's reason for raising taxes, saying council members are looking for a scapegoat.