SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council voted to officially advertise its 2022 budget at its meeting on Tuesday night.

The budget is balanced, and there have been no major changes made from the previous year's budget, borough manager Shawn Pugh and councilman Russel Karl explained.

Further, taxes will not be raised or lowered. This is the fourth consecutive year without an increase.

“The budget is conservative again because we understand we're not through COVID issues yet, and we want to make sure we have enough to keep the borough going,” Pugh said.

“We tried to balance the budget and not cost the borough members extra money,” Karl said.

Karl also noted that entities such as the library and fire department did not receive an increase at this time.

Councilman Ron Steele proposed increasing the millage on the Slippery Rock fire tax from 1.25 to 1.5 mil to benefit the fire department.

“We lost money like the borough lost money,” Steele said. “Whatever help our department can get would benefit this community and the seven municipalities we protect.”

Although much was discussed in regard to the tax, nothing was finalized or added to the 2022 budget.

“As far as millage goes, we've always been at the forefront,” Karl said.

Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo congratulated the council on its efforts to keep borough finances in the community members' best interests.

“Russel (Karl) has been instrumental to the success of the financial health of our borough,” Longo said.

The council will vote on the proposed budget at its second meeting in December.