Budget, 1-Mill Tax Increase Narrowly Approved

Canonsburg Council voted 5-4 Monday to ratify its $4.36 million spending plan for 2011, which includes a 1-mill tax increase.

Councilwoman Patricia Romano and Councilmen George Coleman, Mike Kazmarski and Paul Sharkady cast the dissenting votes. They did not give an explanation of their no votes.

The preliminary budget was approved last month by a 6-2 vote. Councilmen George Coleman and Paul Sharkady cast the dissenting votes. They offered no explanation of their no votes. Councilman Michael Kazmarksi was absent from the meeting.

Councilman Rich Russo, who heads the finance committee, said the budget would mean an approximate $13-increase in real estate taxes next year for a resident who owns a home assessed at $30,000. One mill generates about $45,000 in the borough.

The budget includes earmarks for two new public works trucks and radio and computer equipment for the police department. The borough's winter road maintenance allocation was also increased.

Council also ratified the Canonsburg-Houston Joint Authority's $1.65 million spending plan for 2011. That budget includes no rate increase.

In other business, council also approved a resolution authorizing a 1-percent employee contribution to the police pension fund. It will be the first time police will make such a contribution.