SEVEN FIELDS — Borough council approved the proposed 2025 budget with no tax increase for the 16th consecutive year during a meeting Monday, Nov. 25.

After some deliberation, the millage rate of 7 remained the same heading into next year. To balance the general fund, which decreased by 1%, officials will transfer $70,000 from the capital reserve.

“I think council and myself are just extremely pleased to present to the residents for the 16th year no increase in the millage rate,” borough manager Tom Smith said. “That’s something I think we all can be proud of. We deliver a lot of services for the residents. (We’re) just very happy to continue a good and efficient government.”

Seven Fields officials considered an increase of 2 mills before deciding an increase would not be necessary. The borough will receive at least $20,000 next month from a contractual agreement with Jump Start Sports for an eight-week day camp and eventually will receive a majority of funds from the sale of three police vehicles from the defunct Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Department.

However, like many others who live in southwestern Butler County, residents of Seven Fields will endure a 4.1% water rate increase due to West View Water Authority imposing its own rate hike on customers. The borough’s current rate is $9.25 per 1,000 gallons, but that will rise to $9.65 beginning next year.

“I think council kind of felt that they didn’t want to overburden residents by hitting them with any millage rate increase and then also the water rate increase,” Smith said. “And that’s a pass-through, so we’re not increasing our rates. West View is increasing theirs, and we’re just passing it through.”

In December 2023, borough council entered into a four-year contract with Northern Regional Police Department for its police services. The first year of that contract cost the borough $650,000.

The annual contribution in year two rose to $674,830, which signifies a 3.82% increase from 2024. There was also a 3.97% increase in the budget for fire protection services provided by the Adams Area Fire District.