2025 PETERS TOWNSHIP BUDGET
Each year , Council and the Township staff invest considerable time and effort in developing a budget that 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 and reflects long-term planning initiatives such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Comprehensive Recreation , Parks , and Open Space Plan . It draws from the input of standing advisory boards , Township staff , and residents . Most importantly , it contains the insights and contributions of 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 2025 , it is estimated that 54 % of Peters Township ’ s total revenues of $ 29,476,917 will be derived from taxes . The Township anticipates collecting $ 15,829,790 in taxes . Of the taxes levied , Earned Income Tax and the Real Estate Tax are the most significant . The Earned Income Tax is a 0.5 % tax levied against the wages earned by Township residents . In 2025 , Earned Income Tax will account for $ 7,636,000 or 48 % 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 . The 2025 Certified Assessed Valuation for all taxable property in Peters Township is $ 3,436,542,870 , an increase of $ 42.5 million from the 2024 valuation of $ 3,394,017,170 . The budgeted receipt from Real Estate Tax assumes a property tax millage of 1.7 mills , the same millage rate as 2024 . This is anticipated to generate $ 5,850,840 or 37 % of taxes levied for general government functions . A home at the Township ’ s median housing value , $ 357,100 at the time of the last census , would pay $ 607 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 of four categories . These program categories are General Government , Protection to Persons and Property , Public Works , and Culture & Recreation . In addition to these four program areas , the budget includes expenses related to debt service , insurance , and employee benefits . Total budgeted expenses for 2025 are $ 43,777,036 .
General Government expenditures represent costs associated with back-office business functions of the Township such as accounting , payroll , tax collection , engineering , network administration , and managerial expenses . In 2025 , $ 2,443,947 is appropriated for General Government expenditures . This represents 6 % of the overall budget .
In 2025 , expenses associated with Protection to Persons and Property account for $ 8,540,508 , or 20 % 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 2025 are estimated to be $ 10,336,220 , or 24 % of total expenses . A significant portion of this amount is associated with capital improvements , which include the resurfacing of roadways and the rehabilitation of storm sewers . The 2025 budget includes an appropriation for the extension of Manor Way as well as a connection into Peterswood Park from Sugar Camp Road .
Programs included under the category of Culture & Recreation are the Peters Township Library , Parks & Recreation , and Peters Township Community Television . In 2025 , expenses for Culture and Recreation are estimated to be $ 16,477,914 or 38 % of the expenses . This higher-than-normal share of the budget for Culture & Recreation expenses are the result of one-time capital projects . While provided for in the budget , Peters Township Council has not yet made a final decision on proceeding with the Rolling Hills Park Phase 2 project .
The 2025 Budget contains an ambitious capital improvement plan . Expenditures for capital projects total $ 18,454,620 and account for 42 % of all expenditures . Several of the projects , such as road paving and vehicle purchases , are repetitive annual capital projects . In addition , the proposed budget appropriates funds for significant capital projects in our parks , including Rolling Hills Park Phase 2 and the Rolling Hills Park aquatic center , as well as the completion of the Peterswood Park ball fields renovation .
The $ 14.3 million shortfall in budgeted revenue to fund budgeted expenses will be made up by proceeds already received from general obligation bonds issued in 2022 , and if Rolling Hills Park Phase 2 is approved by Council , it will require the issuance of new bonds . eters Township PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS www . peterstownship . com 724.941.4180
PETERS TOWNSHIP | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025 11