Zelienople Considers Tax Increase and Fiber Internet to Preserve History

Zelienople Plans for Tax Increases and New Services

Zelienople borough residents may face a 1-mill real estate tax increase and a 3% rise in water and electric rates if the proposed $12.4 million budget is approved in December. The borough council approved the preliminary budget on November 25, starting a 10-day public comment period.

According to borough manager Andrew Spencer, these increases aim to address a projected $500,000 shortfall in electric funds by 2025. Rising electric capacity costs are impacting the entire seven-state PJM region.

The proposed 1-mill real estate tax increase will fund the borough’s parks, costing individual property owners between $8 and $16 per month.

High-Speed Internet Coming Soon

The council approved a plan for Cincinnati-based Omni Fiber to install high-speed fiber internet in the borough. This service will offer residents an alternative to the existing Armstrong service. Mike Stoltz, a construction manager for Omni Fiber, stated that the “fiber-to-the-home” service could be available as early as January. The project will include both overhead and underground cable installations.

Protecting Historic Districts

On January 13, the council will hold a public hearing to discuss guidelines aimed at preserving Zelienople’s historic district. If approved, the Historic District Overlay will create rules for building renovations, ensuring the borough’s historical character is maintained, according to Council President Mary Hess.