Monessen proposes huge tax hike
By Kaylie Moore
kmoore@yourmvi.com
Not all is merry and bright in Monessen, as taxpayers could receive a major tax increase for Christmas this year.
City council approved advertisement of its 2019 proposed general fund budget during a special meeting Friday.
As it stands, the budget lists both revenues and expenditures at $4,072,588 — a number that will only remain balanced with a property tax increase of 6 mills, Councilman Anthony Orzechowski said.
Orzechowski voted against the proposed budget, while Councilwoman Lois Thomas and Councilman Dave Feehan voted in favor.
Mayor Matt Shorraw, who has not participated in what would have been his first budget negotiation sessions while in office, was once again absent Friday. He has missed 19 consecutive meetings since May 10.
Orzechowski alleged Shorraw and Councilman Gil Coles, who has only attended one city meeting since February, contributed to the city’s major funding deficit. Financial operations went awry during the first four months of Shorraw’s absences, prior to Thomas’ council appointment, as lack of a quorum prevented city bills from being paid on time.
“This budget wasn’t easy; this budget wasn’t nice,” Orzechowski said prior to the vote. “This budget snuck up on us because we lost four months of the year. This budget affects everybody in this room and everybody in this city. We have more than a serious problem that our taxes aren’t going to be able to handle.”
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