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Petersburg Borough presents balanced FY27 general fund, flags rising costs and potential supplemental from union talks
Summary
Borough staff told the assembly the general fund is balanced for fiscal year 2027 but projected expenses are up about 5%. Officials flagged higher vehicle-replacement and insurance costs, new staffing proposals, continued uncertainty from union negotiations, and a plan to hold several revenue ordinances for future readings.
Presenter reviewed the borough's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and said, “So the general fund is balanced.” The presentation noted next year's expenses are roughly 5% higher than the current year, driven by vehicle replacements, a quoted 5% rise in health insurance and a placeholder 2.5% wage increase while union negotiations continue.
Presenter detailed staffing changes in the general fund and community development: a new lands manager position and converting a six-month seasonal groundskeeper into a 12-month parks and maintenance laborer to provide year-round maintenance and winter support at borough facilities. Staff member explained the 12-month position will spend six months assisting the groundskeeper and the remainder supporting facility maintenance duties.
On school funding, Presenter said the borough placed the same local contribution in the FY27 proposal as last year but noted the school district's latest request of $3,450,000 could fall to $3.25M if a state BSA (Base Student Allocation) adjustment is approved. Presenter said the budget currently assumes $3,000,250 and that the borough can revisit the amount once the district's state funding is finalized.
Presenter confirmed the borough is reducing reliance on the SecureAll Schools aid line: the budget uses about $660,000 of that program next year compared with roughly $770,000 this year. Presenter said that fund has been unpredictable and the borough aims to reduce dependence on it over time.
Assembly members pressed staff about the potential scale of insurance and wage costs. Presenter warned that if union negotiations require higher settlement figures, the assembly may need a supplemental appropriation before the final reading of the budget. Presenter also said the FY27 budget includes modest transfers from special funds for one-time needs and that staff will present ordinances and mill-rate resolutions at upcoming meetings to finalize the levy and related charges.
The work session concluded with staff agreeing to bring detailed ordinance language and the mill-rate resolution to the assembly in May for further action and public notice.
