SEVEN FIELDS — During a meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, members of borough council approved the 2026 budget, marking the 16th consecutive year that Seven Fields will maintain its property tax rate at 7 mills.

One mill is equivalent to $1 for every $1,000 of a home’s assessed value.

The spending plan reflects a slight overall decrease from the 2025 budget — a point manager Tom Smith said was “something to be proud of,” given rising costs in several key areas.

Despite a stable tax rate, the borough anticipates a revenue loss of roughly $60,000 to $65,000 due to the vacant second floor of the borough building, which previously generated rental income. Smith said he plans to review the borough’s price per square foot to help attract a future tenant.

Meanwhile, payments to the Northern Regional Police Department increased 6.56% to $719,100, and contributions to the Adams Area Fire District went up 6.4% to $74,750.

The budget also includes a 4% cost-of-living and merit raise for both union and non-union employees, alongside a 5% increase in employee health insurance costs.

However, several expenses will decrease, including insurance costs, which dropped by nearly $6,000 after the borough sought competitive bids; and the annual maintenance fee for three traffic signals along Route 228 was reduced from $14,000 to $4,800.

In the water budget, rates will remain unchanged for 2026, with total expenses expected to decline from last year.

For residents who annually use the borough’s pool, there will be no increase in membership rates heading into next year.

The only significant change to the finalized budget from what was originally proposed came in the borough’s general fund capital reserve projects.

The cost allocated to the road resurfacing program went up from $300,000 to $400,000. Smith emphasized that extra funds were set aside out of precaution and that the borough may not utilize the entire amount next year. As of now, Seven Fields will look to repave Breckland Drive, Cheshire Drive and Mars-Crider Road.

All of the other items in addition to the road program that are listed as projects on the general fund capital reserve budget — including pool improvements, parking lot resealing, website upgrades and some of the borough’s special events — will require final approval from council.