ZELIENOPLE — The borough says a slight tax increase next year is needed to support its library.

Council last week gave tentative approval to a $10.7 million budget, increasing its support for the Zelienople Public Library from ½ mill to 1 mill — and bringing the tax rate to 5.81 mills.

The council will vote on final approval at 8 a.m. Dec. 27.

A mill of property tax in Zelienople raises $29,053. The additional half-mill of revenue will provide $14,627 more for the library.

“They need it pretty badly,” said Don Pepe, borough manager.

The library has not yet heard from the other municipalities — the borough of Harmony and the townships of Lancaster and Jackson — that participate in its support, said Maggie Boylan, library director.

Of the $10.75 million Zelienople budget, about $3.02 million will go to the general fund, and about $2.05 million will go to the water fund.

The majority of the budget, $5.42 million, will go to the electric fund.

Of smaller ticket items, $59,260 will go to the fire fund, $29,289 will go to the library and $163,292 will go to the highway aid fund.

The budget also laid out the borough’s 5-year capital improvement plan, which includes plans for capital projects and equipment expenditures and how these projects will be funded.

Projects in 2018 include the continued street paving and curb construction projects, salt shed construction and a water line replacement. The borough intends to replace older vehicles and equipment for police and other departments.