HARRISVILLE — Later this month, borough council is set to vote on its final 2023 budget, which includes no tax increase and keeps the borough’s police department intact with more money allocated toward salaries than in 2022.

The proposed 2023 budget, which is expected to be voted on June 19, includes expenses totaling $321,887.02 and an income of $228,535.24.

What would be a loss of $93,351.78 is offset by leftover COVID-19 funding of $89,948.15 — some of which council member Will McCoy says is already designated to other projects. Without the latter consideration, the proposed budget has a deficit of $3,403.63 and comes delayed.

The 2023 budget has been subject to much local debate as to the causes, procedures and responsibility resulting in the delay.

McCoy anticipates starting the plans for the 2024 budget in August, where he said tough decisions will need to be made.

“We are looking at a significant tax increase to keep funding this police department,” McCoy said.

The proposed budget shows income is down from 2022, when the borough brought in $266,995.80. McCoy said a park grant that the borough had last year is part of the reason for the decrease.

Expenses in the proposed budget are are down from $401,120.51 in 2022.

At a 45-minute meeting on May 15, borough council unanimously approved its tentative 2023 budget, which includes continued funding for the Harrisville Police Department.

McCoy said there are 339 households and about 903 residents. He added that the current tax rate only produces so much revenue to meet expenses.

“The harder conversation ... it’s just not going to happen this year,” he said.

The Harrisville Police Department is included in the proposed 2023 budget for $89,200, instead of $69,151.53 listed in the 2022 budget. Payroll makes up the largest portion of the budget at $72,000. This compares to last year’s $52,729.14.

All the council members said they support and want to maintain the police department but funding solutions must be found if current borough services are to be maintained.

In comparing Harrisville with other county municipalities, McCoy said they either have a larger population, higher taxes or both, which fund departments and services, adding that some small communities have combined municipal services, such as police departments, with other small townships or rely on state police.

Council President Eric Synder remarked that, where authorized, the council transferred some funds to other accounts and will use unspent COVID funds, totaling $89,948.15.

Several on the council stated that moving forward, every expense will be reviewed and previously outsourced services will be brought back in house when possible.

In January 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a ruling that local and state governments will be allowed to spend their remaining amounts of federal COVID-related aid on any government service.

A final vote will take place at 7 p.m. June 19 at the borough office building, 117 S. Main St., Harrisville. The next borough council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday at the borough office.

Residents in attendance at the recent meeting voiced their concerns over the delay, budget issues and public communication. Among the issues mentioned were COVID-19, council vacancies, staffing turnover, procedures, administrative practices and the borough audit.

Some residents urged the council to initiate or restore informative and timely communications from the borough to the community regarding events, ordinances and services. Council said steps are being taken to address the issue of public notification and communication through print and electronic media.