GREENVILLE, PA. Sewer rates to increase in 2004

Council's estimated revenues will be $3.6 million in 2004.
By LAURI GALENTINE
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- Current state financial problems caused an increase in the borough's sewer rates for 2004, but there will be no increases in other taxes next year.
Borough council members said there is a projected deficit of about $70,000 in the sanitary sewer fund for this year because of the loss of state subsidies.
A budget impasse at the state level has caused the delay of funds for municipalities across Pennsylvania this year.
Greenville officials said they aren't expecting the Act 339 funds, awarded by the state for sewage operating systems, to come through at all. As a result, council voted Wednesday night to raise sewage rates an additional $2.50 per month for 2004, bringing the bimonthly flat rate to $41.99.
Other taxes unchanged
The 2004 budget package adopted earlier this month keeps the town's real estate tax at a total of 31.5 mills, with 21 mills pinpointed for the general fund and 10.5 mills for debt reduction.
Per capita, earned income, and occupation taxes also will remain the same as 2003 at 1.7 percent for residents and 1.5 percent for nonresidents.
Council expects to see revenues of $3,613,214 in 2004. That number includes $40,000 in private contributions and donations, and $210,000 in refunds from prior year's expenses. Projected expenditures are at $3,549,643.
Some of the big-ticket items include the police department expenses at $782,917; debt service at $571,579; public services and streets at $562,172; fire protection expenses at $394,145; sanitation at $393,116; and insurance and pensions at $292,230.
Council members said the budget allows for two capital purchases next year -- a new police car and a backhoe for the public works, sanitary, and recreation departments to share.
The budget reflects a 20 percent increase in employee benefit costs that will be shared with the employees, council said.