Mars officials hold line on 2017 taxes
MARS — Taxes in the one-square-mile borough will not increase in 2017, but the water bill will.
The $997,806 budget for 2017 was unanimously approved Monday by the borough council members.
Almost identical to the current budget, the 2017 version will continue the council's goal of public works improvements.
The budget includes funding to continue improvements on Lincoln Avenue, which is one of the oldest brick streets in Mars. The installation of digital water meters and additional safety equipment for the borough's police officers also are some of the expenditures in the 2017 budget.
One increase residents will notice is a 50-cent boost in their quarterly water rates.
“That bodes well for both young families starting out in the community and those older folks who live on a fixed income, as (the increase) is modest and in line with other communities nearby,” said Mayor Gregg Hartung.
Another item in the budget that officials feel will increase safety is a speed indicator for the entrance to Grand Avenue from Irvine Street. It will be similar to the one on the western end of Beaver Street.
“These signs have shown that making people aware of their speed in the borough helps them keep within the limit,” said Police Chief Kevin Radford.
Improvements made in the current budget, Hartung said, include new water, sewer and gas lines, as well as new pavement on Lincoln Avenue.
Clearly marked crosswalks were added in the downtown area and a new website was launched for the borough. It can be accessed at www.marsborough.com.
“It is good to work with my fellow council members and the mayor on keeping spending down just below $1 million while moving forward with the rebuild of Lincoln Avenue, installing digital water meters and equipping our police with needed equipment for the safety of our community,” said council President Mike Fleming.
The 2017 budget is available for perusal during business hours at the borough building on Spring Street Extension.
