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Churchville presents 2026 draft budget projecting small surplus, debates capital transfers
Summary
Churchville borough officials presented a 2026 draft budget that projects slightly more revenue than expenditures and outlined capital priorities including stormwater repairs, a police vehicle and building improvements; councilors asked for clearer line‑item reporting on a disputed $350,000 transfer to capital.
The borough budget presenter summarized the draft 2026 numbers and said the borough expects to start 2026 with a beginning balance of $1,655,365.92, projected revenue of $4,026,050.00 and projected expenditures of $4,005,642.66. "We are projected to bring in a little bit more in revenue than we adopted for," the presenter said.
Why it matters: the draft keeps the borough on track with adopted objectives while preserving a fund balance cushion. The presenter said that after holding an 18% fund balance the borough’s projected starting unrestricted balance would be about $1,029,830, giving the borough liquidity until real estate tax receipts arrive in the spring.
Council members at the open house pressed staff for clarity about a $350,000 transfer to capital that appeared in a printed packet but not in the working Excel file used to prepare the presentation. A council member noted the discrepancy and the presenter responded that printed material was slightly outdated and that the Excel working budget did not show the $350,000 transfer. The council member requested a clear plan showing how any transfers to capital would be spent, saying capital needs include a police vehicle (estimated at roughly $55,000), salt‑shed repairs and paving projects.
The presenter also discussed potential development at the former Westinghouse site and noted the borough has budgeted line items for related legal and engineering costs. "If something goes forward, the borough will be reimbursed," the presenter said, but officials warned reimbursements could lag into the next fiscal year. Council members asked staff to produce a single, consolidated report that tracks expenses for the Westinghouse work and the amount and timing of any reimbursements.
Officials said some 2025 revenue gains were tied to higher interest earnings after the borough moved funds to accounts with better rates, and that line‑item strengths and shortfalls can change as month‑end numbers are updated. The presenter said the draft budget is intended to be a working, living document and staff will post the draft online and advertise it in the local legal newspaper as required by state law.
Next steps: the borough will hold a detailed budget workshop on Dec. 1 and staff said the council aims to pass the budget at its Dec. 8 regular meeting. The presenter also reminded residents there will be public notice and online posting of the draft budget ahead of the council’s action.
