No Property Tax Increase in West Chester

For the third time in as many years, West Chester will enter a new year without a property tax increase.

The West Chester Borough Council approved the 2014 budget at it’s meeting Wednesday night. The budget includes a property tax rate of 6.96 mils for area homeowners.

The budget, which was approved at over $33 million for the year, includes roughly $20 million in the general fund, $5.4 million in the sewer fund and $4.3 in the parking fund.

“The good news [about this budget] is that we’re able to pass it as a zero increase in property taxes for the third year in a row,” council member John Manion said. “The better news is [through a parking fee adjustment and an employee co-pay plan], there’s enough to fully fund the pension liability as well. It’s a win-win.”

The specifics of the budget are below:

• General Fund: $20,259,717
• Sewer Fund: $5,436,500
• Parking Fund: $4,373,379
• Capital Improvement Fund: $2,788,547
• Capital Operating Reserve Fund: $336,900
• Highway Aid Fund: $344,050
• Total: $33,567,783