Canonsburg Council Approves 2013 Budget with Tax Increase, Hires Public Works Director

Canonsburg Council approved a $4.4 million budget for 2013 that brings with it a one-mill tax increase this week.

As the borough has legally capped its general purposes taxing ability, the one mill wearmarked for parks and recreation, borough Manager Terry Hazlett said.

A one-mill tax increase means that most property owners would see a $12 boost in their tax bill next year, councilmen have said.

The budget also includes the hiring of a full-time fireman at a salary of $50,000 plus benefits—with half of the base salary being paid through a grant.

Casting the no votes on the budget were Councilman Tim Bilsky, Councilwoman Fran Coleman and Councilman Paul Sharkady.

Both Bilsky and Sharkady had previously said that money to support a paid fireman should come from the 3 mills the borough already allocates to the fire department on an annual basis.

In other business, council also hired its new public works director, Tom Lawrence, at a salary of $58,000.

Lawrence replaces Chester Osiecki, who retired this fall.