Manager’s Budget Message
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Overview
Kelly Cook, Borough Manager of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, submitted the 2025 Operating Budget to Mayor Datsko and the Borough Council on November 25, 2024. The budget is designed to support the borough's 200th anniversary of incorporation while maintaining strong financial management practices.
Financial Summary
The 2025 Operating Budget is balanced with total revenues and expenditures set at $7,436,845. The budget was balanced without an increase in real estate taxes.
Fund Breakdown:
- General Fund Budget: $2,561,445 (Revenues and Expenditures)
- Water Fund Budget: $2,588,600 (Revenues and Expenditures)
- Wastewater Fund Budget: $2,058,000 (Revenues and Expenditures)
- Stormwater Fund Budget: $228,800 (Revenues and Expenditures)
Key Budget Changes
- General Fund: Reflects a decrease of 0. 48% over the previous year. This is due to slightly lower revenues from real estate assessments and interest, offset by decreased expenditures (specifically, the elimination of sidewalk debt service as the loan was paid off in 2024).
- Water Fund: Shows a 5. 37% increase to fund a major infrastructure project replacing antiquated waterlines.
- Stormwater Fund: Has adequate revenue to fund debt service for the Phase I Stormwater Project.
Basic Policies and Assumptions
The borough has adopted several guiding principles for the 2025 budget:
- Taxation: Minimize increases in real estate tax rates and maintain a two-tier assessment (higher rate on land than buildings).
- Service Levels: Maintain existing levels of service and ensure utility fees cover direct and indirect costs.
- Capital Planning: Budget for equipment and vehicle replacement needs over the next ten years.
- Grants: Actively pursue State, Federal, and private grants to cover expenses.
- Self-Sufficiency: Aim for self-sufficiency in specialized programs (e. g. , swimming pool, tennis center) while keeping them affordable.
Strategic Goals
The budget serves as a policy document to guide the borough through the following objectives:
- Pursue economic development initiatives.
- Enhance community security through public safety.
- Maintain and build public infrastructure.
- Protect public health via recycling, waste collection, and water resources.
- Support employees in delivering efficient services.