Borough Council will review a proposed spending plan for Carlisle during a public meeting Monday night. Under consideration is a new local levy, a fire tax.
The general fund budget for Carlisle as proposed for next year totals a little more than $12.1 million dollars. That's to cover the cost of fire and police, highways, code enforcement, planning and parks and recreation, as well as a few other categories.
It cost $10.9 million to run Carlisle this year, or about $1.2 million more next year. The budget, as proposed, does not require an increase in the controversial property tax.
But council members say consideration is being given to creating a first-time fire tax. Carlisle
has a part-paid, part-volunteer fire department. Next year's budget for the fire department is $800,000.
The fire tax, levied at about seven percent, will bring in $300,000 dollars. The remaining half a million dollars will come from other general fund revenues.
The tax is a new one for Carlisle residents, but the neighboring municipalities of Dickinson, South Middleton and West Pennsboro Townships currently collect it from property owners.
Local elected officials say the state's outdated tax codes make it difficult to balance a budget with the burdensome property taxes. Changes must be enacted by the general assembly and approved by the governor.
Despite pleas from residents and local elected officials, it's an issue neither the house nor senate wishes to address.
The general fund budget for Carlisle as proposed for next year totals a little more than $12.1 million dollars. That's to cover the cost of fire and police, highways, code enforcement, planning and parks and recreation, as well as a few other categories.
It cost $10.9 million to run Carlisle this year, or about $1.2 million more next year. The budget, as proposed, does not require an increase in the controversial property tax.
But council members say consideration is being given to creating a first-time fire tax. Carlisle
has a part-paid, part-volunteer fire department. Next year's budget for the fire department is $800,000.
The fire tax, levied at about seven percent, will bring in $300,000 dollars. The remaining half a million dollars will come from other general fund revenues.
The tax is a new one for Carlisle residents, but the neighboring municipalities of Dickinson, South Middleton and West Pennsboro Townships currently collect it from property owners.
Local elected officials say the state's outdated tax codes make it difficult to balance a budget with the burdensome property taxes. Changes must be enacted by the general assembly and approved by the governor.
Despite pleas from residents and local elected officials, it's an issue neither the house nor senate wishes to address.