ZELIENOPLE — An ordinance that would increase the real estate tax rate will be up for vote in December.

Borough council unanimously voted to advertise the proposed change at its Monday, Nov. 9, meeting.

The proposed millage change will reflect a request for 2 more mills in addition to taxes already dedicated to the organization by the borough requested by Harmony EMS, Andrew Spencer, borough manager, said. The current Zelienople rate dedicated to Harmony EMS is 0.5 mills.

“Under Pennsylvania law, we can only go half-a-mill dedicated millage,” said Spencer.

The proposed 2 mills will be officially allocated to the general fund, but will be used for EMS.

The millage hike aims to address growing concerns, statewide, about EMS funding and shutdowns, Gregg Semel, council president, said. “It’s somewhat of a crisis.”

“The last thing we want is to go down a rabbit hole and have no emergency service for any of our people to go to the hospital,” Andrew Matthew, council vice president, said.

The borough had considered partnership with Cranberry Township or other municipalities, but decided to continue service from within the region, Semel said. He added there is flexibility to make a change in the future if needed.

The proposed 2 mills will generate approximately $64,000, which is roughly $25 to $27 per household, according to council members.

Borough council also plan to vote on their budget and capital improvement plan in December.

Spencer presented details about the budget at the Monday meeting.

The budget is set at $13,194,644, which is a 3% increase, Spencer said.

Council also approved a resolution to apply for a Local Share Account grant for $500,000 for work to replace aging transit waterlines in the lower end of town. The borough will contribute $293,000 toward the project.

New council member Jennifer Phillips took the oath of office at the meeting. Phillips filled the vacant seat left by former-Councilman Steve Schoppe, who stepped down. Phillips’ family was in attendance at the meeting.