Budget discussions turn rowdy in Donora

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

Donora council discussed the 2020 preliminary budget Thursday as some members disagreed loudly and frequently, or occasionally insulted each other throughout.

Borough Administrator Terri Petrosky said the 2020 spending plan will require a tax increase of 1.25 mills to balance the budget due at least in part to a drop in the assessed property values. Many properties saw a drop in assessed values and some owners appealed and got an even lower assessment, Petrosky said.

Additionally, Petrosky said several homes have been taken off the tax rolls entirely this year due to devastating fires and some buildings were torn down as well.

Council President Jane Ackerman said the 1.25 mill increase would get the budget to break even and if council wants a cushion, it would have to consider a slightly larger increase.

Petrosky said council will also have to consider an increase in garbage rates as the cost of the garbage contract will increase next year. 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.