East Greenville Borough Council is considering two draft budgets for 2017 – one that increases the tax rate, but preserves the Upper Perk Police District, and another that creates an independent police department and could save the borough more than $230,000 annually.

                Under the first proposal, introduced by Council member Marita Thomson at a Nov. 7 public meeting, borough property owners could see a tax increase of 2.15 mills, which would help to make up a $226,000 budget deficit.               

                By raising the millage rate from 6.2 to 8.4, owners with a property assessed at $95,000 would see a $204 increase in real estate taxes, according to Thomson.

                Thomson said the $1.7 million proposed budget includes funding for the Upper Perk Police District at current levels.

                During the same meeting, East Greenville Mayor Ryan Sloyer presented an alternative budget estimated at $1.5 million, with a one-time transfer of $49,000 from savings. The proposal would hold the line on taxes and includes expenses for an independent police department.

                Sloyer said the proposal would save the municipality $232,436 in 2017 and $250,000 annually in subsequent years, allowing borough officials to invest in infrastructure as needed. The proposed budget also calls for spending $186,640 in salaries for East Greenville police officers in 2017, compared to the $786,606 East Greenville now contributes annually for staff members of the Upper Perk Police District.

                Borough officials expect to ratify a 2017 budget at the Dec. 5 meeting, according to Thomson.

                On Monday night, Sloyer said he would veto any 2017 budget that includes a tax increase.

                Also at the meeting, Thomson said that municipal officials are considering a 5 percent increase in the water rates to help pay back a Pennvest loan. She said residents who consume 15,000 gallons of water would see their bills increase from $147 to $154 if the increase is approved.