Few people serve in local government positions without making someone angry along the way, and therefore it's possible that someone wasn't happy with Grove City's borough manager, Terry Farren, at some time during the past 21 years.

But Farren deserves nothing but praise for his commitment to fiscal responsibility during his two decades-plus of service to the Mercer County community. The borough's real-estate tax is targeted to remain at four mills in 2006, a pleasantly boring pronouncement to which borough property owners annually look forward.

"I'm presenting to you my last budget," Farren, who will retire at the end of March, told the council on Monday. "For the last time, I'm telling you the budget requires no tax increase."

The proposed 2006 spending plan totals more than $13.3 million. Final budget adoption is planned for Dec. 19.

In a display of well-deserved praise, council members gave Farren a round of applause, and several council members voiced kind words regarding Farren's work, including Beth Cooney, chairwoman of the council's finance committee.

"You and prior council members have done an excellent job looking after the fiscal responsibility of this town," Cooney said.

While there could be a tax increase at some time in the future, for now borough property owners can savor the borough government's ability to live with the revenue that the four-mill tax rate provides.

Many municipalities are no doubt envious about Grove City's ability to hold the fiscal line while the community continues to move forward.