Butler Eagle File Photo

ZELIENOPLE — Borough officials discussed implementing a small property tax dedicated to emergency medical services in the upcoming year as part of the borough’s budget discussions.

Borough council voted unanimously at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 24, to move forward with the 2026 proposed budget and capital improvement plan.

While taxes are not planned to be raised for general operation, an ordinance to implement a 0.5-mill tax for EMS services also was unanimously approved for advertisement.

The total revenue and expenditures grew to nearly $12.8 million, an increase from last year’s total of $12.4 million.

“There’s a slight increase in the budget’s total from 2025, but I think we managed to keep it reasonable, considering inflation and other factors,” borough manager Andrew Spencer told council before the vote.

Spencer clarified that no millage increase would be necessary to cover the increase to operational spending.

However, he explained to council that Harmony EMS, the borough’s provider, approached the Southwestern Butler Council of Governments explaining their current funding woes. Most municipalities in the council agreed to either establish a tax or pay Harmony EMS to support their services.

He said the tax would raise roughly $14,500 a year for Harmony EMS, based on current assessed property values.

“I don’t know if any of us were enthusiastic until we kept studying it. And even searching for the perfect solution, this is our best opportunity for the moment,” Council President Gregg Semel said.

The budget and EMS tax ordinance will be advertised before a final vote determines whether they will be implemented. The budget will be on display for a 10-day period.