SEVEN FIELDS — Residents will face no tax increase for the 13th year in a row, however pool fees will increase.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council said a third quarter budget analysis for fiscal year 2022 shows a surplus of $237,263 remaining in the general fund and $190,843 remaining in the water fund, which includes all water utilities used by residents throughout the year.

Borough leaders decided to raise membership fees by 10% for patrons who frequent Seven Fields Community Swimming Pool.

That means individual residents who pay annual rates of $120 per person would instead pay $132 next year, while nonresidents who pay $155 now would pay $170.50 next year. These changes would not represent the discounted rates for families many community residents would pay, based on the number of family members, or the early bird options the pool also offers.

The decision comes amid a growing deficit surrounding pool operations that cut deep into the budget. While previous years have racked up deficits that range between $5,000 and $7,000, pool deficits in the 2021 to 2022 fiscal period ran as high as $35,000 to $37,000.

Council decided let those who use the pool support it as opposed to raising taxes.

Borough manager Tom Smith had cited a few factors as possible contributors to pool deficit, including 20 residential pools built by homeowners and a lifeguard shortage linked to inflation this past summer. That has driven efforts by borough leaders to keep the pool competitive with nearby businesses.

Declining revenues for the pool have combined with the decision to raise employee wages for pool staff — a decision borough leaders stand by. According to borough council, the pool couldn’t retain the lifeguards it depends on unless they continue to receive the higher pay the council approved.

Borough council also voted to install permanent speed plateaus along Route 228, known by residents as Mars Crider Road. The road, which abuts North Catholic High School, often attracts through-traffic from Cranberry Township and from Mars.

A speed plateau is similar to a speed bump — it’s an elevated section of road that goes on for several feet to slow down traffic.

This move by the council, which will happen in step with the Seven Fields Traffic Calming Program, draws from $50,000 in funds earmarked for such a purpose.

“Last month, or the month before, I think we really did a hard look at the portable speed plateaus that were located in Marshall Township,” said borough manager Tom Smith. “I think the majority of council decided that it’s best for the cost-saving or just the overall cost to go back to the permanent speed plateaus.”