Department of Finance and Taxation
continued
Emergency Services
Expenses remained virtually consistent with 2017, although there were
some line items, such as Police overtime, that fluctuated from the norm. The
police department had numerous personnel absences that accounted for the
higher than normal overtime costs. Milder winter weather saved the salt
and antiskid line item. Greater attention to basic building repairs and timely
renovations explain the higher maintenance costs for all buildings. In 2018 Murrysville passed Ordinance #
The 2018 Minimum Municipal Pension Obligation (MMO) for the Non-
Uniform Plan was calculated using the 2017 Valuation. This valuation saw
changes in various assumptions which had the overall effect of increasing
the MMO for this plan. Emergency Services organizations to apply
The 2018 MMO for the Police Pension plan was based on the 2015
Valuation and, therefore, costs remained consistent with 2016 and 2017.
However, when the 2017 Valuation was completed, various assumptions
were changed which will increase the MMO beginning in 2019 to a cost
comparable to the 2018 increase in the Non-Uniform Plan.
Many municipalities in PA struggle with unfunded pension liabilities.
Overall, the Municipality does not have this concern. Even though the
assumption changes in the 2017 Valuation increased the overall costs for
both plans, each plan is still 94% to 95% funded due to good investment
decisions, fiscal controls and a Pension Committee that functions extremely
well.
The Director of Finance continues to be an active board member of the
County-wide Tax collection committee which oversees all earned income tax
collections for Westmoreland County.
Scanning of all pertinent files continues with all off-site storage
eliminated at this time. To date all ordinances, resolutions, policies
and procedures, permanent financial data, Recreation, Engineering
and Administration files such as contracts have been scanned and new
documents are scanned when received as needed.
Scanned Planning files are being organized into categories and years
so that development files such as building plans, storm water and utilities
plans, occupancy permits, and maps will be easily available. In addition, the
scanned files are linked to the Geoplan software utilized by the Community
Development Department.
The Administration oversaw the installation of new flooring in the
Administrative hallways and kitchen area and in the squad room, Sergeant’s
office and kitchen areas of the Police Department.
The 2019-2023 Capital Improvements Program ($16,008.800) and the
2019 Operating Budget ($13,526,926) were both approved with tax millage
and service levels staying constant. A five year budget plan was completed
for all of the funds and presented along with the 2019 Operating Budget.
38
MURRYSVILLE
995-18, The Volunteer Tax Credit Program.
This law permits individuals who volunteer
their time and meet certain participation
requirements with the Murrysville
for an earned income tax credit on their local
municipal taxes. This represents a small
token of the community’s appreciation for
these volunteers who commit countless
hours to training, fundraising and responding
at all hours of the day to service you in your
time of need. Please support your local
emergency services!
Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company,
Brian Synan, Chief
In 2018, the Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company (www.murrysvillefire.
com) responded to 427 alarms for a total of 1,000 volunteer hours of serving
the community. The leading alarms were automatic fire alarms and vehicle
accidents; 304 of the alarms were in the VFC’s district, while 123 alarms were
assists to other fire departments.
The line officers for 2019 are as follows:
Fire Chief:
Brian Synan
Assistant Chief:
Bill Yant, III
Captain:
Jake Meier
Lieutenant:
Pat O’Mahony
Sergeant:
Nolan Suchora
The executive officers for 2019 are as follows:
President:
Randy Marts
1st Vice President:
Rich LeMaster
2nd Vice President:
Carl Pursh
Secretary
Joe Harriger
Treasurer
Rick O’Mahony
Trustee
Pat O’ Mahony
Trustee
Jen Ralston
Relief Treasurer:
Russ Cline
The Murrysville VFC is always looking for volunteers age 14 and above,
not only to be firefighters, but anyone who could help with fundraising