Harrisville Borough Council reports $13K deficit, welcomes new member
HARRISVILLE — The borough anticipates a $13,000 overall deficit by the end of 2024, beating expectations from earlier in the year, according to a report at the borough council meeting Monday, Dec. 9.
Susan Cyphert, of the accounting firm McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, of Grove City, disclosed an anticipated shortfall of $33,000 in the borough’s general fund, a balanced highway fund and an overage of about $20,000 in the sewer fund.
The deficiency in the borough’s general fund reflects an $11,000 budget shortfall and the anticipated refund of approximately $22,000 in real estate taxes collected in 2024 without the appropriate authorization of the council.
These funds will be refunded to residents once accounting measures are finalized, perhaps as soon as January, council member April Anschutz said.
Council approved a reinstatement of that same 5-mill increase in real estate taxes, to take effect in 2025, Anschutz said, bringing the overall rate to 13.25 mills.
The increase will mean about $40 to $60 annually for the average borough property owner, Anschutz said.
Council will vote on a budget of $230,607 at a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the borough building. The figure represents a decrease of more than $30,000 in total expenses from 2024.
Carolyn Steglich will fill an open position on borough council through the end of 2025. She was sworn in Monday by Mayor Daniel Anschutz.
Steglich, a former faculty member at Slippery Rock University, has lived in the borough since 1990.
Council approved an agreement with Marion Township to facilitate sewer service between the Kozy Rest facility and the borough, and through to the wastewater treatment plant in Grove City, bringing the utility one step closer to reality.
