SR passes balanced $1.1M budget
SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough Council passed a balanced 2021 budget of $1.1 million, despite a dip in revenue and a bolstering of the borough's staff and services.
“This is the fourth year with no tax raises,” said borough manager Shawn Pugh.
Pugh said the borough has been predicted to see a decrease in revenue by 15% to 20%.
“It's across the board,” Pugh said.
Despite the losses, the borough was able to restructure and renegotiate contracts, some of which not only saved money, but also gave the borough upgrades.
Pugh said one example came when the borough upgraded its phone system, which then allowed it to bundle options in its bill to save about $55 per month. Another involved renegotiating the rental of its copy machine, saving about $250 per month.
Another key came in employment. The borough hired two part-time police officers, who will help alleviate the burden of overtime for the department's full-time officers.
“We expanded the abilities and coverage of our police department at a savings to our taxpayers,” said Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo. “We have increased coverage without increasing costs. I'm really pleased about that.”
Board President Russell Karl also attributed some of the borough's savings to a good staff of employees who have taken on more responsibility and performed more jobs without the need for contracting the work outside.
“We've been blessed to have such good employees at the borough,” Karl said. “They do their jobs and do them well, so we don't have to subcontract out for a lot of work.”
With its savings, the borough also was able to increase the millage expended for the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company to 1.25, which should benefit the department by about $25,000. Also, for the first time the library will receive a .25 mill allocation from the borough's budget, which should award about $5,000 to the library. The library had typically received a donation from the borough in years past.
“I think each member of this board is taking responsibility and doing their homework,” Karl said. “They're working hard to use to the fullest potential all the money and services we have in the borough.”
