SEVEN FIELDS — The creation of a new police department with Evans City will save Seven Fields money next year.

Borough council on Oct. 20 passed a preliminary budget that has a $60,000 surplus with no property tax increases for residents.

Manager Tom Smith said the property tax rate will remain at 7 mills, the same as it’s been for several years.

Part of those savings will come from Seven Fields establishing a regional police department with Evans City. That department goes into effect Jan. 1.

Smith said the borough this year will spend $366,767 on police services while contracting with neighboring Cranberry Township.

However, the borough is expected to spend about $315,000 on police services in 2015.

In addition, council has budgeted $375,000 in 2015 for public safety, which includes police, fire and ambulance services for residents.

That number is about $43,000 less than council budgeted this year for the same services.

Council is expected to vote on the $1.28 million budget Nov. 10.

Smith said he’s pleased with the conservative budgeting philosophy of the council, saying its diligence in financial issues has helped stave off the need for tax increases.

“We held the line on taxes and spending while continuing to provide as many services to the community as possible,” he said. “We are very conservative in our approach and make sure to spend our dollars wisely.”

Smith said he also is happy that the community pool paid for itself this summer despite “horrible” weather conditions with the mild summer.

He added that the budget contains no fee increases for pool memberships or community center rentals for residents.