Media Borough Council Approves Preliminary 2012 Budget

approved the preliminary 2012 budget at its meeting Thursday with no mill change to residents.

The proposed preliminary budget is for approximately $8.5 million and should bring no tax change to residents, Borough Manager Jeff Smith said.

The rate would remain at three mills, which is $375 for the average home assessment of $125,000, Smith said.

Borough Councilman Peter Williamson said the final budget approval will take place at council’s December meeting following a budget presentation.

He said the $7.4 million operating budget is seeing a slight increase compared to last year and most of the increases are due to the increased cost in gasoline and employee salaries.

There are also increases to groups and organizations the borough contributes to each year including, the library, Fair Trade Commission, Media Arts Council and the economic development committee for the first time since the committee was formed after last year’s budget was approved, Williamson said.

The capital budget is intended to be used for maintenance on the parking garage, storm sewer replacement and ongoing 3rd Street bridge/dam expenses.

Williamson explained that the parking garage needs $375,000 worth of work, and this year $125,000 will go toward that project for the first year of work, he said.

On North Olive Street near Ridge, due to the significant rainfall we’ve had in recent months, the storm sewers there have failed and need replacement, he said. And the regular ongoing expenses for the 3rd Street project, which are reimbursed by state grants but still need to be budgeted, will come from the capital budget, Williamson said.

"We’re presenting a budget that is in balance and I think it is a responsible budget," Williamson said.

Council President Pete Alyanakian thanked Williamson, Smith and the Finance Committee for all their efforts in completing the budget process and presenting the preliminary budget in November, which is earlier than usual.

"This is a significant achievement," he said. "Great job by the committee and I’m proud to hopefully approve this budget."

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