Munhall council reviews draft 2026 budget; presenters say no tax increase needed

Munhall Borough Council reviewed a draft budget for 2026 on the meeting agenda, with the presenter telling members the borough had adjusted projected property-tax income down slightly but did not expect to raise taxes this year. "There's no reason to... raise taxes for this year," the presenter said while pointing members to printed copies of the budget.

The draft includes modest new spending proposals intended to address deferred maintenance and staffing. The presenter said the budget includes funding to begin a prioritized, multi-year paving schedule and roughly $500 earmarked for next year’s paving work as an initial step to catch up on neglected streets. The draft also contains money to train a mechanic to replace long-serving mechanic John Chismar when he retires and to fund a part-time receptionist so the administrative assistant can assume broader duties.

Council members discussed fees and user rates during the budget review. One member noted the borough’s current general parking rate is $30 and that industrial parking is charged at $75; the council discussed whether to align waterfront rates with neighboring jurisdictions. The presenter also flagged a $10,000 budget line for Homestead Cemetery maintenance.

On process, members reiterated that the budget now before them is not necessarily final: by statute the borough must adopt a balanced budget by mid-September of the fiscal year and can reopen the budget during the council’s January reorganization meeting (participants discussed January 5 as the likely reorganization date and the February 15 window for final action). The presenter said council could revisit fees and specific hires in January if more information or direction is needed.

No formal votes or ordinance adoptions occurred on the budget at the meeting; council members agreed to continue review and to circulate materials ahead of the January meeting.