Monroeville officials presented the borough's proposed 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program during a public hearing at the Citizens Night meeting on Aug. 7 and invited resident comment before council considers the plan at its Aug. 12 regular meeting.

The program and why it matters: The proposed CIP totals $38,777,823 across six years and is intended to align infrastructure, equipment and facilities investments with Monroeville’s strategic goals. Borough staff described the plan as fully funded for the projection period and said it requires no new taxes or external financing as currently drafted.

Key details from staff: A municipal staff member presenting the plan said initial requests totaled roughly $45 million against available revenue projections of about $39 million, leaving a roughly $6 million gap that the draft reduced by trimming vehicle and equipment items. Staff said the municipality is targeting a 20% reserve by 2031 as a fiscal cushion. The speaker said MS4 utility-fee revenue — established in 2019 — will fund certain public works facility requirements and that funding for the new MS4 equipment shelter would come from those fees, not from general taxpayer revenue.

Public questions and concerns: Residents asked for clarification about whether the plan included a rebuild or relocation of the Public Works building and what is planned for the Monroeville Public Library. Staff said large projects such as a full public works rebuild or major library renovations were listed in an appendix for context only and are not funded in the current CIP; the borough will consider separate master-planning steps for those facilities.

Fire apparatus and vehicle funding: Council and staff discussed a proposed fire truck purchase item. Presenters cited a manufacturer quote from January 2025 putting a truck cost at about $2.1 million; the CIP lists a $500,000 deposit in 2025 and an approximate remaining balance of $1.6 million in 2026. Fire department representatives and staff said manufacturers, lead times and pricing remain uncertain, and bulk ordering or coordinating manufacturers for engines may reduce costs. No purchase contract was approved at the meeting.

Dispatch, drones and public safety: The CIP public hearing included discussion about a remodeled dispatch/9-1-1 space and future enhanced dispatch capabilities. Staff and residents described a plan to retrofit municipal space for regional dispatch and a “real-time crime center,” and to plan for possible drone-assisted responses in the future (search and rescue, incident overviews or infrastructure inspection). Residents raised concerns about drone operations and suggested that, if drones are used to support incidents near privately developed sites, related costs or rooftop locations might be negotiated with developers.

Budget process and next steps: Staff outlined the schedule for adopting the 2026 municipal budget and emphasized that the December budget will finalize the 2026 capital spending plan. Staff also asked council to form a committee to review nonunion salaries ahead of the budget adoption process. The CIP as presented will be considered at the council’s Aug. 12 meeting; any adopted projects will be subject to budget adoption and future bidding and council approval for specific contracts.

Ending: Council did not vote on the CIP at the Aug. 7 meeting; the program will return for formal consideration at the borough's Aug. 12 regular council meeting, where residents may provide additional testimony and where council may adopt or modify the proposal.