Zelienople borough officials should heed a warning about possibly having to increase the property tax in 2007 or 2008.

The 5.8-mill levy is targeted to remain unchanged for 2006, but council vice president Russell Robertson told his colleagues they would have to "manage smarter" if that rate is to extend beyond the next 12 months.

But in addition to holding the line as much as possible on spending, the council should explore ways of pushing for the state to live up to its promises regarding flood-relief funds associated with Hurricane Ivan in 2004. If the borough has met its requirements for eligibility for the money, and if the state indeed owes the borough that money, the commonwealth shouldn't be dragging its feet on making the funds available.

It would seem that any questions or concerns that the council might have regarding the funds should be addressed with state legislators, in hopes that they would work on the community's behalf.

Robertson said that a projected increase in next year's water spending was due at least in part to the state Department of Environmental Protection not providing certain flood-relief funds that it had promised. He said DEP's inaction regarding the money would force taxpayers to shoulder the burden.

Hopefully that will be just temporarily.

The cost of water system improvements next year was listed as $4.56 million instead of the previously anticipated $3.5 million.

The improvements, including rehabilitation of the borough's reservoirs, water supply lines and water transmission lines, are part of an agreement with AK Steel aimed at reducing levels of nitrates in Connoquenessing Creek, the borough's backup water supply.

Jill Stedina, acting borough manager, said the project's costs have escalated in part due to delays tied to additional studies and rising engineering fees.

As Robertson pointed out while warning other council members about the potential for a future tax increase, the costs of running many facets of municipal government are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain at current levels. While the council was successful in trimming the proposed budget to $375,000 less than the 2005 budget, budget-trimming will become more difficult.

Obviously, there will be a time when the council will have no choice but to seek more money from property owners or eliminate services. It's laudable that 2006 will mark the 15th consecutive year that a tax hike will not be sought.

But when there is absolutely no alternative but to raise taxes can be delayed by closer scrutiny of all borough funds or, as Robertson advises, managing "smarter."

As Zelienople residents fully understand, only the council has the official power to make that happen — and be a "squeaky wheel" in its attempt to obtain funds promised by other levels of government.