The borough of Mars anticipates a surplus of $24,219.96 as part of its 2026 budget, which was approved by borough council at its meeting on Monday night, Dec. 15.

Revenues for 2026 are anticipated to come in at $2,171,055.43, against $2,146,835.47 in projected expenses. According to Mayor Gregg Hartung, the budget will not come with a tax increase. Property taxes will remain at 25.33 mills.

The borough is anticipating $742,590 in revenue from fees collected for its municipal water system. Unlike most municipalities in Butler County, Mars maintains its own water system.

“We have our own water system that supplements the income for the borough. There are additional dollars after keeping the water department operating smoothly that can be applied elsewhere in the budget to help us financially,” Hartung said. “There are plans to continue upgrading and installing new water meters throughout the borough.”

An additional $428,909.31 in revenue is anticipated to come from taxes.

The most prominent item on the expenditures sheet is for the public works, other services including water line item. which amounts to $974,633.56 — nearly half the borough’s projected total expenses for 2026. This includes $530,000 in improvements to water infrastructure and $110,000 in capital purchases of machinery and equipment.

According to Hartung, the latter two items are related to “...some major stormwater work on the west side of town and replacement of several pieces of equipment for our public works department.”

Another $452,088.97 is set aside for public safety, of which $351,189.22 is specifically earmarked for the Mars Borough Police Department. Another $306,866.69 is earmarked for highway, road and street projects.

The borough is also anticipating $610,000 in Local Share Account grant funding which, according to Hartung, will offset some of the costs of the stormwater work and equipment purchases.