MARS — Borough Council is considering a $1.11 million budget after Monday night's meeting. The 2019 operating budget had $1,149,908 in revenue.

Council determined the estimated $39,000 difference in revenue from 2019 to 2020 is due to changes to income from employee pensions and rental properties.

“Our revenue is up where it should be,” said Councilman Brad Price. “The biggest drop, I think, is going to be that rental income.”

The former Dutilh church property — which the borough acquired this year — is expected to cost the borough $22,254 in 2020.

Council has not yet decided whether to rent out the church building.

The 2020 operating budget would have $1,116,647 in revenue, with an additional $1 million grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the borough's proposed discovery center.

Council also anticipates $1,114,141 in expenses, leaving a $2,506 surplus.

“We've got to live within our means,” said Michael Fleming, council president.

The borough anticipates $339,000 in tax revenue and a $26,650 income from licenses and permits. Incoming Liquid Fuels for 2020 is $55,596.

The tax rate remains 19.88 mills: 17.38 mills for real estate, 1.5 mills for fire support and 1 mill for the library.

Next year's budget expenses allow for $256,289 in public safety and $272,953 in highways, roads and streets. Public works services, including water, is budgeted at $226,956. Recreation expenses increased from $35,650 in 2019 to $38,000 in 2020.

The budget will be available for public review starting Friday. Council will vote on final approval of the budget at 7 p.m. Dec. 30.

Council on Monday night also approved changing Duncan Alley where it passes Salvaged PGH from a one-way street to a two-way street for Dec. 6 through 27, with PennDOT's approval.

The board convened to executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss personnel.