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

“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…