Aleppo property owners should not expect to pay more in real estate taxes next year as part of the township’s proposed budget.
Residents should also not expect to see any major paving or park upgrades as township officials plan to use 2026 as a savings year for future projects.
Budget documents indicate the millage rate will remain at 3.5 mills.
Projected revenues and expenses were listed at about $1.52 million.
Expected income includes about $550,000 in real estate taxes, $438,000 in Act 511 taxes, including earned income, $298,400 in intergovernmental revenues, $88,700 in transfers from other funds, $83,000 in interest/rents/royalties, $36,000 in licenses/permits and $17,000 in charges for services.
Expected spending includes about $294,000 for public works, $237,000 for administration, including salaries, supplies and insurance, $211,000 for transfers to other funds, $164,400 for fire protection, $155,000 for police, $55,000 for engineering, $50,000 for legal services, $40,000 for legislative costs, $18,000 for sewers and $16,000 for tax collection.
The budget is available for review at the township office, 100 North Drive.
The township has not raised taxes in about 12 years.
One mill generates approximately $166,000 in revenue.
The final budget is expected to be passed on Dec. 22.
Township manager Gwen Patterson said the state budget impasse did not impact Aleppo’s financial planning.
Gov. Josh Shapiro finally signed the commonwealth’s $50.1 billion spending plan on Nov. 12 — 135 days late.
“We closely monitor year-to-date expenses when working on the budget in an effort to come up with accurate numbers for the upcoming year,” Patterson said. “(Next year) is going to be a savings year for the township. We did some larger road projects over the last few years, and the focus for 2026 is to make sure we are building the capital improvement reserves for future road projects.”
The township recently spent about $529,000 on emergency repairs for Rhodes Avenue.
There were a pair of contracts to stabilize the hillside and stop the roadway from sliding.
They included about $119,000 for Stefanik’s Next Generation Contracting Co. to do site support work involving guiderails, hauling, paving and other labor. Access Limited was paid about $410,000 for a soil nail and reinforced shortcrete stabilization system.
Patterson said it is important for the township to think long-term.
“We may move forward with the small park improvement project in 2026,” Patterson said. “The township owns a parcel of land in the Weber Road neighborhood that has been reviewed as a potential small parklet with some benches. We are budgeting $160,000 to be saved for future paving projects, $18,000 for parks, and $51,000 to be saved toward future truck/equipment purchases.”
Commission president George Jones said there may be some minor tweaks to the budget prior to its formal adoption.
“With adjustments for inflation, the township anticipates no major changes in (the) spending plan,” Jones said. “No new taxes. No major projects or purchases planned. (The) township was able to contribute to all reserve funds as programmed. The township is looking forward to stable financial operations and welcoming two new commissioners.”
Commissioner Dan Darragh died Sept. 22. His term was set to expire at the end of this year.
He and Jones, both Republicans, were on the ballot in a race for three commissioner seats.
Allegheny County Election Division records show 131 write-in votes cast.
Resident Jed Michael, 39, was appointed to fill his seat via a 3-0 vote at the September meeting. Commissioner Amy Richert was absent.
Jones said Michael is believed to have secured enough of those write-ins to remain on the board.
It was unclear who the third person would be as of presstime.