Nov 4, 2014 By David Singer 2 min read

The millage rate for Upper St. Clair residents is slated to stay at 3.83 mills as the board of commissioners reviewed the township’s last draft of the 2015 budget to be voted on in December. The board closed the budget hearing at its Nov. 3 meeting.

“This has been online and will continue to be, if any resident wants to comment on it before we vote at our December meeting,” said board president Robert Orchowski.

The $40.2 million budget also sees earned income tax remaining at .8 percent. The budget affords a majority of funds to public safety, public works and general government costs, with $1.5 million allocated for street maintenance. Major capital project allocations are building renovations ($695,000) and IT equipment and software upgrades ($600,000). The budget notes $300,000 has been appropriated for storm water management, and that “due to the overall system needs, other funding mechanisms will have to be discussed in order for future projects to be completed.” The township expects to keep its AA+ bond rating with 5.6 percent of the budget accounting for debt and bond obligations.

In other business, the board approved preliminary build plans by Pine Creek Structures to establish a business in the township, which sells Amish-style storage sheds and equipment. The board also approved conditional use applications by Space Cadet Yarn for a business at 1321 McLaughlin Run Road.