Dormont Borough Council Capital Sewer and Liquid Fuels Budget Presentation - October 14, 2026

The Dormont Borough Council held a work session on October 14, 2026, to review the proposed capital sewer and liquid fuels budgets for the upcoming year. The meeting covered the sewer fund, liquid fuels allocations, and a comprehensive capital fund proposal including road improvements, generator financing, park upgrades, and other municipal projects. Council members discussed funding sources, potential grant opportunities, and set a timeline for final adoption.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Helen Kalovich (1218 Oklahoma Avenue) inquired about the extent of Shelby Alley repaving, noting that approximately one-third of the alley had already been repaved. Mr. Dyseroth acknowledged the observation and indicated that measurements would be adjusted before contracting.

Discussion Items

Sewer Fund

• The sewer fund budget remains relatively static, with revenue exceeding expenditures by approximately $4.2 million. The only significant increase is a $154,000 rise in payments to Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN).
• A cost study is proposed to investigate reducing sewer rates while simultaneously raising property taxes to achieve a net-zero impact on residents. The study would be funded from the sewer fund.

Liquid Fuels

• Highway aid is expected to remain at approximately $205,000.
• The road maintenance budget is significantly impacted by rising salt prices. The 2026 salt budget was $100,000; the 2027 budget initially proposed $200,000, but by purchasing early, a discount of $8 per ton was secured, reducing the salt budget by $30,000 to $170,000.
• After the salt reduction, the liquid fuels budget shows a deficit of approximately $30,000, which will be covered by a transfer from the general fund.

Capital Fund

• Generator: Originally $300,000 was allocated for a generator. Council agreed to redirect that funding to the road program and instead apply the corresponding engineering costs to the $1.5 million loan through a retroactive pay resolution.
• Parking Meters: $36,000 is budgeted to replace analog meters with kiosks on Belrose and SB avenues along the Potomac Avenue corridor. Council opted to keep this item in the budget despite discussion of deferring it.
• Borough Building Air Conditioning: Two rooftop AC units were previously planned at $29,000 each, but costs have doubled. Council decided to capitalize $30,000 from the loan for potential repairs or replacement, rather than leaving the line item at $0.
• Video Cameras: $20,000 is allocated to wire the new next-generation playground with cameras connected to the police station. Council agreed this is a worthwhile investment.
• Road Program: Mr. Dyseroth presented a $650,000 road program for Ward 4, including mill-and-resurface for 3200 block Beacon Hill, 3000 block Eastmont, Pyrremont, Latonia to Eastmont, builtmore from Beacon to borough line, builtmore from Eastmont to Piedmont, and three alleys (13th, Milan, Shelby). The program also includes $30,000 for sidewalks and a curb replacement program. An additional $50,000 in paving costs can be covered by the sanitary sewer budget through manhole rehabilitation work, bringing the net road program cost to $650,000. Council discussed using stormwater authority funds for curbs.
• Handicap Ramp Program: Funding is included to replace deteriorated detectable warning surfaces at crosswalks.
• Mobility Projects: $208,000 from a Safe Streets for All grant is allocated for an intersection audit and temporary demonstration projects.
• Snyder Improvements:
  • Manhole relocation: KO United requested $15,000 for turf improvement at Beg Snyder Field. The borough proposes instead using sewer fund money to relocate two manholes out of the playing field at an estimated cost, which would be done before any field improvements to avoid future damage.
  • DABA field: Dormont Amateur Baseball Association (DABA) can no longer use the school district field. A T-ball field at Beg Snyder needs significant work. The borough could make it playable for $10,000–$15,000, but DABA requests a Pittsburgh Pirates grant (25/25 match) for a DuraEdge field costing $25,000–$50,000. Council requests more information on grant requirements before committing and will ask DABA to contribute to the match.
• Pool Feasibility Study: $10,000 is budgeted for a study of the filtration room and pipe replacement. Actuator valves for the filtration system will provide approximately five more years of life while planning for long-term solutions.
• Recreation Projects: $1.5 million is allocated for the next-generation playground project. $110,000 for resurfacing of the warm-up park tennis/basketball courts and fencing.

Key Outcomes

• Council agreed to move $300,000 in generator funds to the road program and apply engineering costs to the loan.
• $30,000 was added to the capital budget from the loan for potential building AC needs.
• The road program was approved in concept at $650,000, with the understanding that actual bidding may adjust the scope.
• Council will obtain grant requirements for the Pittsburgh Pirates grant for the Snyder field and discuss DABA's contribution before finalizing.
• The draft budget will be finalized and voted on at the November meeting, then advertised for public comment, with final adoption in December.
• The deficit in the liquid fuels budget will be covered from the general fund, and the sewer fund cost study will proceed.