2026 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 2026, it is estimated that 63 % of Peters Township’ s total revenues of $ 27,059,763 will be derived from taxes. The Township anticipates collecting $ 17,175,500 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 2026, Earned Income Tax will account for $ 8,041,250 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. The 2026 Certified Assessed Valuation for all taxable property in Peters Township is $ 3,460,709,670, an increase of $ 24.2 million from the 2025 valuation of $ 3,436,542,870. The budgeted receipt from Real Estate Tax assumes a property tax millage of 1.95 mills, an increase of 0.25 mills from the 2025 millage rate of 1.70. In the last 30 years, the property tax levy has only been increased twice. The 2026 millage was increased as the Township is faced with increasing costs of delivering services which are outpacing the growth in our revenue streams. This is anticipated to generate $ 6,696,250 or 39 % 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 $ 696 annually in Real Estate Tax, up $ 89 from last year.
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 2026 are $ 34,653,019.
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 2026, $ 2,693,871 is appropriated for General Government expenditures. This represents 8 % of the overall budget.
In 2026, expenses associated with Protection to Persons and Property account for $ 10,848,642, or 31 % 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 2026 are estimated to be $ 10,082,662, or 29 % 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 2026 budget includes an appropriation for the extension of Manor Way.
Programs included under the category of Culture & Recreation are the Peters Township Library, Parks & Recreation, and Peters Township Community Television. In 2026, expenses for Culture and Recreation are estimated to be $ 4,947,350 or 14 % of the expenses.
Included in the expenses noted above are expenditures for capital projects. Several of the projects, such as road paving and vehicle purchases, are repetitive annual capital projects. In addition, the budget appropriates $ 1.5 million toward the transition to a new emergency medical services provider and $ 1,000,000 to replace the artificial turf on Peterswood Park field five. eters Township PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS www. peterstownship. com 724.941.4180
PETERS TOWNSHIP | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2026 11