HARRISVILLE — The borough is facing a $34,539 shortfall in its 2023 budget, largely due to $45,304 in unpaid sewage bills, $34,782 of which result from 15 delinquencies.

Councilman Will McCoy said during Monday’s council meeting that borough revenue is forecast at $192,598 for the year, and anticipated expenditures are $227,137. The budget has yet to be finalized.

At last week’s meeting, council discussed the impact of the shortfall and options to address it, which include raising taxes, reducing services and combining its police department with others nearby.

The approximately 30 residents in attendance were unanimous in opposition to combining the police department or relying on state police. McCoy said the borough police department accounts for 51.9% of the budget.

Councilman Dave Evans noted that the borough hasn’t increased its tax millage in about 15 years.

Borough Police Chief Jeff Holidge said he would “take a pay cut rather than reduce the hours of officers.”