Valencia upped its taxes for the first time in more than 30 years, but the borough’s council members said they didn’t hear any complaints from residents about it.

While likely no one was excited to see their property taxes go up by 2.5 mills, residents of the small borough in south-central Butler County likely understand increases in costs. Plus, running a deficit may have led to further issues.

It’s the borough’s path forward with St. Barnabas, a tax-exempt health care facility which owns about 80% of the taxable land in the borough, which could lead to some conflict. The St. Barnabas system has two old-age communities in Valencia, The Arbors and The Woodlands.

Council member Torey Verts said the borough is asking St. Barnabas to contribute to help cover expenses. What that contribution looks like is unclear, but the borough is in a sticky situation because of what St. Barnabas provides to elderly people in Butler County.

With the tax increase, the borough will bring in an additional estimated $3,000, because it reported a low number of taxable properties. Taxable properties in the borough were reported to be valued at about $1 million, and nontaxable properties valued at about $5 million.

Police coverage from the Adams Township Police Department was noted on the council meeting minutes as the most expensive line item on the borough budget. Because, while the borough is relatively small — 0.4 square miles — with a low number of taxable properties, elected officials still have to procure public safety and law enforcement coverage. Like many municipal costs and amenities, those services are becoming more expensive as well.

Like Valencia’s residents, St. Barnabas also benefits from having access to the borough’s public resources. While St. Barnabas provides valuable health care service, will Valencia residents see it as worthwhile next time the council is mulling a tax increase?

— ET