SEVEN FIELDS — Borough council presented a proposed $1.6 million 2024 budget Monday, Oct. 23, a 4.4% increase from 2023.

“The big issue this year is police services being provided by Northern Regional in the amount of $650,000,” borough manager Tom Smith said. “Another issue, as far as public safety, is that our fire services almost doubled.”

Despite the borough’s new contract with Northern Regional Police Department and an over-$30,000 increase in fire services through the Adams Area Fire District, Smith said this would be the 14th year without a tax increase.

“Even with the increases with the police, fire, we have the water company to balance the budget,” he said. “We will be transferring $82,220 from the water fund surplus to the general fund.”

The borough proposed an over-$920,000 water budget for 2024 — a 1.5% increase from 2023 — using its $128,307 surplus to cover the general fund deficit. According to Smith, the proposal would not include an increase in water rates.

“I’m very happy to propose this type of budget to council,” township manager Tom Smith said. “We’re still doing some very productive capital reserve improvements, so I think it’s a very strong, responsible, conservative budget.”

The general fund budget will also see a minor increase in revenue, beginning 2024, from potential changes to the community center’s fee structure.

“Our rates are $125 for the first two hours and $25 for each additional hour,” Smith said. “What we’re finding is the average renter is renting between four and six hours.”

Relative to neighboring townships — where the same rental would cost between $500 and $600 — Smith called the current rates a “bargain,” with the borough paying nearly $7,000 annually in expenses.

“What we’re recommending is that we come up with a flat fee for residents and nonresidents and get away from the $25 for each additional hour,” Smith said.

The new proposed hourly rates would be $75 for resident and $85 for nonresident on weekends, $65 for residents and $75 for nonresidents on weekdays, and $60 for nonprofits.

“They also have the plate-reader software, so that helps with traffic accidents, investigations — it’s very helpful,” Smith said. “All we’re trying to do is make sure that every intersection in Seven Fields is equipped with traffic cameras.”

Smith said the borough already utilizes traffic cameras and plate readers at other intersections along the road.

“The 63 townhouses there will have been completed,” Smith said, “and Highpointe Drive is due for a resurface.”

Additionally, $250,000 would be earmarked for the next phase of renovations at the Seven Fields Town Park Pool — including a filtration system, pool slide and concrete work — to be reimbursed through a Local Share Account program grant.

Smith said the borough hoped to award a bid on the project by December.

“The contractor will hopefully be working through the winter months,” he said, “and, fingers crossed, the pool will open as usual: Memorial Day 2024.”

“Getting another community event this time of year may be something that we want to consider,” Smith said. “So far, I’ve gotten a lot of input from residents that I’ve chatted with about it.”

The borough’s Community Days Carnival may also be extended to four days, with $35,000 earmarked for it as a capital reserve project.

“This costs no money for them to come in, but we do have fireworks, we have bands, entertainments, advertisements,” Smith said. “I think it’s a good idea. This carnival has grown; it’s really become popular.”

“Again, I think most everyone is happy to hold the line on taxes for the 14th year,” Smith said. “It takes a lot of work for council to be fiscally responsible, and Seven Fields provides a lot of services to its residents.”

This story was updated at 4:32 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, to reflect that the community center sees nearly $7,000 in annual expenses. A previous version of this story said the annual costs totaled $70,000.