[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5986621,"mediaKeyId","5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9","parentId",5767477,"title","New sewer CCTV work uncovers nearly $400,000 in possible repairs; borough weighing SOAR fund and bond options","audioSeconds",146,"startMs",1778000,"endMs",1924000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9&start=1778&end=1924","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9/thumbnail_1778000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5986621/Crafton/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/New-sewer-CCTV-work-uncovers-nearly-400000-in-possible-repairs-borough-weighing-SOAR-fund-and-bond-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986621-d5f0fafd20f8801be51e0fe9153eebf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569946&Signature=SRyoYHwAqooz0fHnqi9EVveMYLZ67IKBQhXKbM6ZzuCql4jYdIrspHRXQseDHajB~-~OtrTbl6dgHNvSuKKrCxshXqFDm8t3wC0Woe536-ufMEQ57bSZHVnkDlx2QxAnHcVP5iUAOhJqQ5F2VghwDyjzpoo1EDM2u~pwDnD9ss-cIKNwTjecOmiW4zVD1ZNwQ7sOYwyKivXYr-SfVvO0Xc8MJB0ShNEoh~IupyOox5K6daiRv3pMpDg2Cu09b3NRCpYMVEJ8h8WRrw5oXulYUHDzlYBJKFGuaFqx3NuJ41Z2rFLSvQMykTeoEMm88fXm9vUMdeDoWkt~p4d1hopxMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Crafton Borough, PA","date","2025-09-12T13:38:53Z","article","Finance staff told council that CCTV inspections completed this year identified significantly more repair work in some older parts of town than anticipated.
“The new CCTV work from this year led to them estimating a need for almost $400,000 in repairs because it had been so long since that area of the town had been reviewed,” finance staff said. The preliminary estimate includes excavation repairs (staff cited about $190,000 recommended) and a single major excavated repair on Mildred. Manhole-liner work associated with this year’s project was estimated at about $70,000 and has been pushed to next year.
Why it matters: the SOAR (sewer) fund and the bond fund both carry resources that could be used for necessary repairs; however, the estimates are preliminary and the work affects older infrastructure where deferred maintenance raises both cost and operational risk.
Details: staff described these CCTV findings as an outcome of first-time or infrequent inspections in areas that had not been CCTV’d in 10–15 years; that backlog produced higher repair needs than anticipated. Staff recommended chunking repairs into prioritized groups if the borough cannot fund all work in one year. They also noted limited additional funding in the sewer reserve and that some work could be a candidate for bond funding.
Staff noted that some PENNVest loans are ending in coming years (one ends this year, another in 2028), which will free roughly $80,000 in annual spending capacity that could be reinvested in infrastructure.
No binding commitments were made; staff described the CCTV numbers as preliminary and said closer review could reduce the estimates.
Quotes: “The new CCTV work from this year led to them estimating a need for almost $400,000 in repairs because it had been so long since that area of the town had been reviewed,” finance staff said. On a single line-item, staff said excavation repairs were about “$190,000 recommended.”
Ending: staff will obtain a closer review of the CCTV data, produce prioritized repair recommendations and present financing options (SOAR reserve, bond fund, or other sources) for council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2026 Budget Workshop #1 - September 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Preliminary CCTV inspections of older sewer sections revealed extensive deferred maintenance, producing a near-$400,000 repair estimate; borough staff flagged a major excavation repair on Mildred and discussed using SOAR reserves or bond funding to address the work.","taxTitle","Crafton, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71363,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5986626,"Officials flag potential $2M-plus fire ladder truck replacement; council to weigh funding options",84,337000,421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9&start=337&end=421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9/thumbnail_337000.jpg","/articles/5986626/Crafton/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Officials-flag-potential-2M-plus-fire-ladder-truck-replacement-council-to-weigh-funding-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986626-011a15e6be5383a8fe8b6754bb913602/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569946&Signature=HyPKblTnCYF0B9gQt~E0ufEaiX3PKtwhuNIPWrt8VGVG13d15Saz-Th7ogFOOu3sUhnAaBqLfEgHHdV9dQB0mmghzzpup-ToCcxdJtcbHwHxXwqt~ETFwPyHHIKYapwoRmY4~v25H63QsCPZXJ3x0SwJ2cRu-dMlg3qAqDLUL1jMDEntBMmPV6uvIT2GaYzYgJo4rZgtJWNo2GPfIW4YJz9uiME6FLVWy9DUM8qVPgQuTnH2K3otWgbhlJ9FPnOrneOHjm4ePr3Whhce0AJDOWtGSSJ5DeiyCwrIsMv7SWbjOWP65M0WaAnM1w3k13IwOHvOeBGWVk4x2H6JeZqpRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance staff told council during the 2026 budget workshop that the borough’s ladder truck — a high-cost, specialty fire apparatus — may need replacement earlier than anticipated.
Staff said the truck was paid off in 2023 but that prices for similar apparatus have risen substantially. “It is expected to be a $2,000,000 plus purchase,” the presenter said, and noted that lead times for new apparatus can be several years. The presenter summarized prior planning assumptions: equipment cycles had been treated as a 30-year life per piece with a staggered replacement cycle, but the fire department now believes the ladder truck’s useful life may be closer to 20 years in practice.
Why it matters: a replacement at that scale would be the single largest discretionary capital decision discussed at the workshop and would materially affect the bond fund and the borough’s capital-planning choices. Staff emphasized that the borough does not need to act this fiscal year but that the potential need — with an earliest anticipated replacement around 2030 depending on condition — should be discussed well before procurement.
Details: staff said the truck was originally purchased about 15 years ago, paid off in 2023, and that department leadership told staff they “had put it down for a 25 year life cycle, and they’re now looking thinking it’s only gonna make a 20.” Staff recommended further analysis: options include extending the existing truck’s life by targeted maintenance and refurbishment, beginning to save into a capital fund, or issuing bonds when replacement becomes necessary. Staff also noted the common challenges with resale or trade-in values for used apparatus and that communities often find resale proceeds are modest.
No formal motion or commitment to a financing approach was made at the workshop. Staff said the issue will require a focused discussion, with the fire chief invited to present condition details and options to council.
Quotes: finance staff summarized the scale and timing: “It is expected to be a $2,000,000 plus purchase.” On life-cycle expectations, staff said department leaders had believed in a longer cycle but now “they’re now looking thinking it’s only gonna make a 20.”
Ending: council members asked staff to gather more information on condition, potential refurbishment to extend life, and expected resale values; staff will return with options for funding (bond vs. pay-as-you-go), timelines and a recommended approach.","At the 2026 budget workshop, finance staff told council the fire department’s ladder truck may need replacement sooner than expected, with costs likely above $2 million and a multi-year lead time; staff suggested multiple funding options including bonds or targeted saving but no decision was made.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5986631,"Borough staff presents 2026 budget workshop, warns of tight discretionary funds and rising capital needs",2360,0,2360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9&start=0&end=2360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5767477-ce1740c88262c63365cb32fbc5c163d9/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/5986631/Crafton/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Borough-staff-presents-2026-budget-workshop-warns-of-tight-discretionary-funds-and-rising-capital-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5986631-1ac25ea817025f31303a07afd38cedfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569946&Signature=CfeBgiXqOOrA~wFeJE2RgNRfYkcYXrukoWJAtMnuysWisCfeQmrKAiCRjnBmTYqshUO-XiSCzKKbVfQ4SB68pMEA-1LoAYkuECLl6lO8k9fmZ4uKg1qxgjRIyVEMyRPbitdoHgBONAl5KnNOxxHuk7Qd9SDyUKVMf4nHvsf2Ph1HNjbU0eaQl~NNALayH02dIEv8ePQ6VyY6S5KA8K3wT5NyHdQNFwpuyMctf8lj88MfBm-f3jdxkxCoy8AfTGvvKrNvkgrLsp9UrNgiUawNFuFch8y6niyyHTGMTEiENVz-PsAavHaH4bkRrIZKAPUwuZtZcx48DEWQnUuTlAsi7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","“Today is the first budget workshop for 2026,” finance staff told council, laying out proposed fund balances, a bond-project tracking sheet and a draft capital-improvement plan.
The proposed general fund budget for 2026 shows roughly $6.77 million in income, and staff said the borough faces about $8 million in infrastructure projects next year. After accounting for committed and completed bond projects, the bond fund currently shows “almost $1.4 million” available and, depending on project outcomes, staff estimated about $1 million could remain if all proposed projects proceed.
Why it matters: council must decide which discretionary projects to fund as the borough faces multiple large capital needs and revenue growth that has lagged inflation. Finance staff said the borough’s three largest revenue sources—real estate, earned income and business/sales taxes, which make up about 60% of the general fund—have increased on average about 1.88% annually over eight years while inflation averaged 3.44% in that period. The staff noted the borough has not had a reassessment since 2012, which reduces growth in residential real-estate revenue.
Most important facts and supporting details: finance staff summarized four principal funds: general, road, sewer (SOAR) and bond, plus a liquid fuels fund restricted by PennDOT standards. Staff said the general fund currently lacks a full three months’ expense reserve, while the road and sewer funds meet that guideline. The SCBA reserve for fire breathing apparatus is sufficiently funded and the petty-cash/checking/flex accounts remain small operating balances.
On the bond fund, staff reported the tracking spreadsheet is reconciled to QuickBooks through August and is balanced except for a single $3,700 discrepancy, down from a prior $112,000 variance. The capital-improvement plan was updated; most projects rose slightly in cost, with the fire program showing a dramatic increase.
Staff warned that project overruns can quickly reduce bond balances: “with these massive projects going on, a 10% over on one of those projects could very quickly diminish that amount,” they said.
Budget details and decision matrix: the draft budget lists roughly $1.5 million in requested discretionary decisions (not counting a possible ladder truck), while staff said the available discretionary cash is about $350,000 (after noting a $400,000 placeholder for Ewing Road is included). Examples of decision items on the matrix include: Ewing Road (placeholder $400,000, from the road reserve), community-center floor and carpet, cameras and door controls for the new Public Works building (about $35,000), police garage floor (up to $70,000), library children’s room wall/door (placeholder), elevator replacement (noted as 33 years old), fireworks cost increases for next year, a dog park ($25,000 placeholder), and potential purchase or replacement of a street sweeper.
Road tax and reserves: staff noted the road fund normally brings in about $600,000 with a prior road tax rate (previously cited at about 2.42). They proposed returning the road tax revenue to the road fund but suggested council consider changing the allocation percentage to move more into the general fund because the general fund is leaner than the road fund.
Sewer and maintenance: CCTV work completed this year revealed significant deferred maintenance in some older neighborhoods; staff said the preliminary review produced higher repair estimates than expected (see related article on sewer CCTV findings).
Process and next steps: staff recommended the finance committee review the spreadsheet line by line to identify savings or calculation errors and to mark decision items as yes/no/maybe on the decision matrix. Staff said some decision items could be moved to the bond fund as placeholders and funded later if bond-project cashflow allows. A finance-committee meeting was scheduled next week for deeper review.
Quotes: finance staff summarized the meeting’s scope: “I’m gonna go over kind of the overall items tonight. We’ll go over fund balances, where we’re at, the bond project tracking sheet and where we’re at with that, an updated capital expense plan for operations, draft fund budgets.” On reconciliation of the bond tracking sheet, staff said the reconciliation “is basically balanced except for that one thing” — a $3,700 discrepancy — down from a prior $112,000 variance. On revenue trends, staff said the borough’s major income items “do not keep up with inflation, generally speaking,” and attributed much of that to the lack of reassessments since 2012.
Ending and calendar: no formal votes were taken at the workshop. Staff will update the budget workbook with council decisions, obtain updated estimates (for example, on Ewing Road), and return with refined numbers; the finance committee will meet next week to begin that line-by-line review.","At a first 2026 budget workshop, borough finance staff said general, road, sewer and bond funds are largely healthy but discretionary funds are limited; officials were warned of rising capital costs, a potential $2M fire ladder truck purchase and nearly $400,000 in sewer repairs found in new CCTV inspections.","actionData","errors"]

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New sewer CCTV work uncovers nearly $400,000 in possible repairs; borough weighing SOAR fund and bond options

Officials flag potential $2M-plus fire ladder truck replacement; council to weigh funding options

Borough staff presents 2026 budget workshop, warns of tight discretionary funds and rising capital needs