No tax increase in North Belle Vernon

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
North Belle Vernon property owners will not see an increases in their tax bills next year.
During a meeting Tuesday, council unanimously approved a balanced spending plan for 2024 that will hold the tax rate at 29 mills.
Councilwoman Barbara Day said the budget for next year, sitting around $760,000, did not see any prominent jumps in expenditures or revenues.
The borough will end 2024 modestly in the black, with less than a $400 surplus.
Among its largest expenses is the police department, which will cost about $210,000 next year, up from $204,900 in 2023.
Council will spend a bit less on the fire department, about $64,900. The rate includes 3 mills for the fire tax, which generates about $37,000.
The public works department will receive $136,380 to work with next year, which includes salaries, materials and supplies, fuel and oil, utilities, tires, street repairs and other miscellaneous line items.
Recreation will receive $1,000 more in 2024, with a total budget of $14,000.
Of that, $4,000 will be used for supplies, $4,000 for utilities, $2,500 for improvements and repairs and $3,500 for maintenance.
The borough, as it usually does, will give $2,500 to the library and has designated $500 for other non-governmental contributions.
Council President Brett Berish, along with other council members and Mayor Craig Ambrose expressed gratitude for those who worked on drafting the budget, offered changes and ultimately kept taxes the same for property owners.
Berish, along with other fellow council members, also took time to thank residents, firefighters, police, administration and other staff members for a successful year.

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