Murrysville presents balanced $17.03 million 2026 operating budget, holds millage steady

Murrysville officials on Monday presented a proposed $17,026,370 operating budget for 2026 that keeps the borough's real estate tax rate at 12.15 mills and does not raise overall millage.

JC, the borough finance presenter, said the overall decrease of 4.1% from the 2025 amended budget reflects timing of capital projects rather than cuts to services. "It's a balanced plan, that maintains the same high level of municipal services that our residents expect," JC said, adding that capital purchases completed in 2025 reduced the capital reserve for 2026.

The budget shows the general fund rising—driven mainly by personnel costs, medical insurance and a jump in pension payments—while the capital reserve declines as one‑time projects wind down. JC said three new full‑time positions are included: a public works mechanic, a police officer and an engineering technician. Personnel and benefit expenses account for about 76% of general fund spending, he said.

The presentation outlined millage redistribution among dedicated funds: general fund, capital reserve, emergency equipment (1.35 mills), debt service and library/hydrant funds. JC said each mill produces roughly $339,000 in revenue and the hydrant fund has underperformed for more than a decade, projecting potential depletion by 2028 if unchanged.

Council was also briefed on 2025 housekeeping amendments: grant‑funded capital items for Route 22 LED lights, a $37,005.95 NIBRS policing grant, reallocation of cleaning contract costs, and adjustments to fire relief distributions. The chief administrator said most changes are offset by grants, donations or reallocated budget lines and that copies of amendment details will be provided to council members for the approval meeting next week.

The budget materials will return to council for formal consideration at the next meeting.