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Beaver Borough leaders: no tax increase planned as council readies 2026 draft budget
Summary
Council members said there will be no tax increase for 2026 and outlined capital priorities, pension pressures and contingency planning; a public draft will be posted once formally advertised.
Beaver Borough Council leaders said Sept. 23 that they do not plan to raise borough taxes in 2026 and that a draft budget will be released to the public only after required advertising and final numbers are available. Council President Sean Snowden and Council member Amy Stettler relayed the no-tax-increase position during the work session.
Council member Todd Hindman reviewed the 2025 budget status and reported that pension costs are running higher than anticipated and that property tax receipts are down because of reassessment appeals. Stettler, reviewing the first draft of the 2026 budget, said the borough aims to continue rebuilding its capital fund and repay an FNB loan; she also noted highway income is expected to fall as Columbia Gas projects wind down, and that staff are budgeting for maintenance, equipment and a planned playground upgrade in case grant funding does not materialize.
The discussion included policy suggestions and requests for clearer presentation. Council member Margaret McKean proposed a financial analysis on regionalizing police services and on raising service rates for Vanport and Industry; Alexander Andres asked for a summarized budget document to address concerns about police overtime and overall clarity. Council members said police overtime is expected to come in at or under budget after reimbursements are applied.
Next steps: the borough will advertise the draft budget and make it available to the public after final figures are received. No formal motions or votes on the budget were recorded at the Sept. 23 work session.
