Leet Township commissioners voted unanimously last Monday to advertise a 2027 spending plan that would raise the municipal millage rate from 9.1 to 9.9 mills, an 8.8% increase. Allegheny County’s community profile lists the township’s taxable residential median value as $127,050 as of Nov. 6, 2026. At that assessment, the proposed rate would produce a township tax of about $1,258, roughly $102 more than at the current rate.
If adopted next month, the proposal would be Leet’s second tax increase within three years, although accounts differ on the timing of the earlier increase. Township records cited by TribLIVE show commissioners raised taxes by 1.4 mills with the 2026 budget. A separate TribLIVE report on the 2025 budget said commissioners voted 4-0 on Dec. 9 to raise the rate from 7.7 to 9.1 mills, describing it then as Leet’s first township tax increase in seven years. The accounts do not establish which budget year that earlier increase belongs to.
What the proposed rate means for a property bill
The estimated $1,258 is the township tax alone, not a complete property-tax bill. The county profile gives Leet’s taxable residential median but does not provide rates for nearby communities, so the figures here do not support a direct comparison of municipal rates.
Why Officials Say the Increase Is Necessary
Commission President Martin McDaniel said holding the rate steady would require layoffs that could affect township services. He cited property-assessment appeals and limited growth as pressures on revenue. Comparing earlier real estate tax projections with audited figures, he said, showed about $30,000 less revenue than expected; earned income tax receipts were down about $7,000.
McDaniel said Leet has no housing developments underway and lacks the business, industrial and commercial districts found in neighboring Sewickley, limiting opportunities to expand its tax base. Commissioner Paul Magee, who leads the public works committee and serves on the finance committee, said the proposed plan keeps spending close to expected levels.
A New Truck and a Long-Shot Grant
The plan includes a five-year, $130,000 loan to replace a public works dump truck. Leet has two older trucks, from model years 2015 and 2017; one is breaking down and requires costly repairs. The township has a Costars quote for a replacement equipped with a snowplow, salt spreader and other equipment, but has not finalized an order.
Commissioners also approved an application for a $1 million grant to upgrade the township building, with work proposed for the roof, HVAC system and siding, as well as an expansion of the police department. McDaniel said the grant is unlikely to come through, and the state’s response date is unknown. Magee said grants are an important source of support for township programs.
Where the Money Would Go
The proposed budget balances revenue and expenses at about $2.4 million, compared with roughly $2.212 million budgeted for 2025. Real estate taxes are projected to bring in about $1.162 million. Act 511 taxes, including earned income and real estate transfer taxes, are expected to total $431,500. Other projected revenue includes $249,500 in state funding, $65,000 from regional sales taxes, $20,300 in service charges, $10,100 in interest, rents and royalties, and $3,300 in contributions and private donations.
Police account for about $859,000 in planned spending, and public works for $605,000, including $48,000 for paving. The budget assigns $371,000 to general government expenses such as salaries, accounting, legal services and insurance. It also provides $106,100 for fire protection, $30,200 for recreation, $21,200 for ambulance service and $9,750 for code enforcement.
Raises, Road Work and What Comes Next
The proposed plan includes raises of 5% for police officers and 3.5% for other township employees. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on a new police contract at their Dec. 14 meeting, when they also plan to take final action on the 2027 budget.
The upper section of Orchard Street in Fair Oaks is slated for paving. Oak Street paving and replacement of a speed hump on Beech Street have been deferred to next year. Commissioners said they expect few changes before the final vote. The proposed budget is available for public review at the township office, 194 Ambridge Ave.
