2021 PETERS TOWNSHIP BUDGET
Each year Council and the Township staff invest considerable time and effort in developing a budget that prudently allocates limited financial resources in a manner designed to best meet the needs and desires of the community . The budget process is defined and guided by the Peters Township Home Rule Charter . It is a reflection of long-term planning initiatives such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan , Comprehensive Recreation , Parks , and Open Space Plan , and Rolling Hills Park Master Plan . It draws from input from standing advisory boards , Township staff , and residents . Most importantly , it contains the insights and contributions of the Peters Township Council , which are expressed not only at budget workshops but throughout the year .
REVENUES The ability of the municipal government to achieve its goals is determined by its capacity to raise funds .
In 2021 , it is estimated that 66 % of Peters Township ’ s total revenues of $ 20,372,394 will be derived from taxes . The Township anticipates collecting $ 13,461,000 in taxes . Of the taxes levied , Earned Income Tax and the Real Estate Tax are the most significant . The Earned Income Tax is a one-half percent (. 5 %) tax levied against the wages earned by Township residents . In 2021 , Earned Income Tax will account for $ 6,356,000 or 47 % of the taxes levied for general government functions .
The Real Estate Tax is a tax levied against the assessed valuation of real estate property located in the Township . The responsibility for establishing the assessed value of properties rests with Washington County . In November 2020 , Washington County certified the aggregated assessed value of all properties in Peters Township for 2021 to be $ 3,233,071,790 , $ 35.8 million higher than the 2020 assessed value . The budgeted receipt from Real Estate Tax assumes a property tax millage of 1.622 mills , the same rate as the last three years . This is anticipated to generate $ 5,065,000 or 38 % of taxes levied for general government functions . A home at the Township ’ s median housing value , around $ 300,000 , would pay $ 487 annually in Real Estate Tax .
PROGRAM EXPENSES
Within the chart of accounts promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development , municipalities are encouraged to group program expenses into one ( 1 ) of four ( 4 ) categories . These program categories are General Government , Protection to Person and Property , Public Works , and Culture & Recreation . In addition to these four ( 4 ) program areas , the budget includes expenses related to debt service and insurance and employee benefits . Total budgeted expenses for 2021 are $ 33,794,462 . It should be noted that the large gap between revenues and expenses in 2021 will be filled
by expending the balance of a $ 9.9 million bond issue in late 2019 , and another anticipated bond issue in 2021 .
In 2021 , expenses associated with Protection to Persons and Property account for $ 6,029,581 or 18 % of all expenses . Programs contained in the Public Safety category include Police Services , Fire Services , Emergency Medical Services , Animal Control , Planning , Zoning / Code Enforcement , and Building Inspection .
Public Works expenses in 2021 are estimated to be $ 7,049,947 or 21 % of total expenses . A significant portion of this amount is associated with capital improvements including resurfacing of roadways , the rehabilitation of storm sewers , and purchase of Public Works vehicles and equipment .
Programs included under the category of Culture and Recreation , are the Peters Township Library , Parks & Recreation , and Peters Township Community Television . In 2021 , expenses for Culture and Recreation are estimated to be $ 13,601,570 or 40 % of the expenses . This amount is 52 % larger the 2020 budgeted expenses in this category , mainly due to the construction of Phase 2 of Rolling Hills Park , as well as the anticipated design and construction of an aquatics facility at Rolling Hills Park .
The 2021 Budget contains an extremely ambitious capital improvement plan . Expenditures for capital projects accounts total $ 14,776,000 and account for 44 % of all expenditures . Aside from the construction of Phase 2 of Rolling Hills Park and the proposed aquatics facility , several projects of note include the design of a third fire station along Bebout Road in the Venetia district , upgrades to the HVAC system at the Library , replacement of the front doors at the Recreation Center , and construction of a new playground , and associated accessibility improvements , in Peterswood Park . eters Township PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS www . peterstownship . com 724.941.4180
PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021 11