Fox Chapel property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes in order to maintain borough services.

Council voted 6-0 Dec. 15 to pass its 2026 budget and maintain the tax rate at 2.95 mills.

Council President Andrew Bennett was absent.

There are no cuts to borough programs or services. Taxes have not been raised in at least five years.

Borough Manager Julie Bastianini said there were no major changes to the budget from its proposed form last month.

Both projected revenues and expenses were listed at about $10.155 million.

Income includes about $4.915 million in Act 511 taxes, including earned income taxes, $3.64 million in real estate taxes, $471,100 in interfund operating transfers, $338,200 in public safety, $164,000 in interest earnings, $147,000 in business licenses and permits, $30,000 in rents and royalties and $8,500 in fines.

Proposed spending includes about $3.1 million for roads and streets, $2.9 million for public safety, $1.161 million for sanitation, $1 million for general government including salaries and supplies, $808,300 for operating transfers, $516,000 for recreation and library contributions, $320,800 for debt service and $125,000 for insurances.

“The 2026 budget aims to provide a high level of service to residents in a fiscally responsible manner,” Bastianini said before the vote. “The borough continues to be in a strong financial position.”

The budget and tax rate vote were among the final official actions of Councilwoman Sarah Hanna, who is at the end of her first term on council.

The mother of three decided not to run for reelection to spend more time with family. Her colleagues honored her with a thank-you letter read by council Vice President Harrison Lauer before the budget vote.

Hanna credited Jeanine Mancuso, the borough’s finance committee and finance director, for keeping taxes stagnant during her time on council.

“Those individuals worked really hard,” Hanna said after the meeting. “I just have to read and review and ask a few questions. It was the team that really put it together, plus Jeanine is in charge of all things finance. She’s just a fantastic employee here for the borough.

“I think it’s phenomenal that they are able to do what they do to make things work. All the things we do and how we’re able to budget and it’s done really well.”

Budget highlights include about $1.3 million for paving as well as a new salt storage facility and replacement of a public works dump truck. The borough also is creating a new summer intern position to help with park-related projects.

Lauer, finance committee chair, said the borough is in good shape with next year’s budget.

“It is nice to have it done,” he said. “I don’t know whether I’d call it relief because the budget was a very positive process. I think we’re all very pleased with the budget. I think from the standpoint of our finance staff, it’s nice to have it done because it’s a lot of work creating the budget. (We’re) very pleased going into 2026.”