SEVEN FIELDS — Borough council approved a number of items during a brief meeting Monday, Dec. 9, including an increase to the 2025 water rates for residents and no change in the 2025 millage rate.

The water rate will increase from $9.25 to 9.65 per 1,000 gallons. It was approved 3-1, with Jeff Smouse voting against it. Council member Morgan Hardesty said the increase was was necessitated by a rate increase implemented by the West View Water Authority.

Smouse also was the only council member voting against keeping the millage rate the same next year. It marks the 16th year the borough has had a 7-mill rate.

Items unanimously approved included rate holds of both the salt brine/brine chemical blend used on township roads at $0.65 per gallon and the cost of pyrotechnics for the June 2025 Seven Fields Community Carnival, which will remain $12,500.

Council also approved a $6,884 payment to Grahamboys for a portion of the window replacement project that has been completed.

An ongoing issue with the three leftover vehicles owned by the former Evans City-Seven Fields Regional Police Commission but currently being, used by Evans City police again was an item of discussion.

Borough solicitor Megan Turnbull said the borough recently received a bill for $7,394, which, according to its insurance agent, is mostly for the 2025 insurance coverage of the three vehicles.

Council agreed the insurance bill should be sent to Evans City for payment, considering it is using the vehicles and the borough has not budgeted money for the cost of the insurance. Turnbull said she will reach out to the Evans City solicitor to discuss the matter.

The next borough council meeting is scheduled for Jan.13 at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal building.