Marshall’s proposed 2025 general fund budget calls for the real estate tax rate to remain at 1.42 mills.
The township board of supervisors will vote on adopting the $10.43 million spending plan at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the municipal building, 525 Pleasant Hill Road.
“Marshall Township should end 2024 in a strong financial position, with revenues exceeding budget estimates,” said Julie Bastianini, township manager. Expenditures are coming below what was budgeted.
Expenditures for 2025 represent a 6% increase over the 2024 budget, with some of the largest going toward payment to the Northern Regional Police Department and road resurfacing, Bastianini said. Revenue is projected to include more than $2.4 million in real estate tax and nearly $5 million in earned income tax, according to the budget.
New residential construction contributes to taxes and finances in the township, and while it has been growing for the past 20 years, Allegheny County’s determination of fair market value will affect the 2025 budget.
an assessment of the price it could sell for based on several assumptions
Bastianini noted that the township can keep its millage the same despite losing $20 million worth of taxable real estate because of changes in fair market value, an assessment of the price a property could sell for, based on several assumptions. All new construction will pay taxes on 54.5% of its assessed value, as opposed to the 63% in 2023 and nearly 88% in 2021.
Building permit fees are expected to contribute $182,000 in 2025, with several new residential subdivisions receiving final plan approval and expectations of building next year. New construction should continue in Spring Way, Markman Place, Sonoma Heights, and Orchard at Bauerle subdivisions. The Reserve and Golden Grove subdivisions have received preliminary approvals thus far, according to the budget document.
On the projected expenditures side, out of $3.5 million-plus designated in public works, $1.37 million will fund road resurfacing. Other major expenditures include $450,000 for traffic signal improvements at the intersection of Route 19 North, Northgate and Maple drives, which is under review by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Final design and beginning stages of construction are expected in 2025.
A local share grant from the state of more than $845,000 was received for the project, but the funds would be reflected in the 2026 budget, after construction begins.
Marshall is contributing more than $220,000 to support Northland Public Library.
The capital reserve fund will finance major equipment purchases for the new year, along with trail and sidewalk construction to expand the township’s pedestrian network, as noted in the budget.
Marshall will contribute more than $1.9 million toward the Northern Regional Police Department, which is funded by other municipalities it serves: Bradford Woods, Pine, Richland and Seven Fields.
“Our NRPD budget did not have that big of an increase over 2024,” Chief Bryan DeWick said. “Our biggest expenses are typically payroll and vehicles. This year, we did have some larger than usual increases in software subscriptions and internet services that keep us in compliance with confidentiality standards mandated by Pennsylvania.”
Another large expense was replacement of body armor, as required every five years, he said.
Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department is proposed to receive $377,119. The money generally goes toward the department’s operating budget, Susan Edwards, a brigade officer, said.
“Fire engines are very expensive, so we have to save over a period of years in order to have enough to buy an engine. Donations from the public enable us to meet some of the ongoing needs but also allow us to invest more in fire safety programs (and) update the caliber of our equipment,” she said.
Marshall’s budget includes $40,000 for the McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, which serves the township and several other municipalities.
To view the proposed budget, visit www.twp.marshall.pa.us.