By LOIS THOMSON

At their Nov. 17 meeting, members of Ben Avon council presented a proposed budget of $1,043,785 for 2010.

The budget lists tax revenue income of $841,642, broken down as follows: $520,754 in current real estate tax collections; $22,815 from prior year real estate tax; $27,000 real estate transfer tax; $237,699 current earned income tax; $32,694 noncurrent EIT; and $680 occupational privilege tax.

The estimate for non-tax revenue is $202,143, which includes: $40,755 in liquid fuels allocation; $30,990 from county sales tax; $26,999 cable franchise fees; $23,900 total fire service revenue from Ben Avon Heights and Kilbuck; $16,068 rental income; $13,383 for fines; $12,100 for delinquent sewer charges; $11,150 fire relief funds; $6,360 utility cost reimbursement; and $5,803 for Pennsylvania pension allocation.

Expenses are estimated at $122,427 for administration costs, including: $32,580 for the borough engineer and other engineering services; $26,620 for the solicitor; $17,400 for the secretary's salary; $12,826 for the bookkeeper's salary; $5,400 for auditors; and $4,513 for building inspection/code enforcement.

Proposed police expenses total $227,584, with the majority -- $220,744 -- going to pay the service contract with Ohio Township. The public works total is $167,910, including $47,133 and $40,893 for foreman and labor salaries, respectively; $21,162 for street department health insurance; and $15,060 for road salt.

The total debt service is $256,151, including $250,816 for bank loan principal and $5,334 for interest.

Among other expenses are: $49,808 for public safety services; $41,247 for buildings and property; $37,417 for insurance; $23,900 for the fire department; $23,723 for tax collection; $20,967 for ACORD park assessment; $16,445 for sewer repairs; $11,000 for ALCOSAN liability; $11,150 for fire relief reimbursement; and $9,115 for the Bookmobile.

Council voted unanimously to advertise the budget, with Dan Herchenroether and Lloyd Corder absent, and will vote on it at the Dec. 15 meeting.

President Ken Opipery Jr. pointed out that the property tax rate will remain undetermined for now. It is derived from a formula based on the assessed value of property, which the borough does not receive from Allegheny County until January. At that time, council will levy the millage.