Gettysburg Borough Council began reviewing its 2027 budget with a projected deficit in the low $3 millions, a gap borough officials said could grow to about $4 million if the borough does not use $100,000 in reserves.
The estimate was preliminary. At the Oct. 26 workshop, council members and borough staff discussed possible spending reductions and parking revenue changes, and asked for updated figures before continuing budget talks. No tax rate or final budget was approved.
Council President Matthew Moon said about 90% of borough spending is committed through contracts, laws, or other obligations. Borough Manager Charles Gable said the remaining discretionary expenses total about $381,000, down from $518,000 in the prior year’s budget. The decrease largely reflects the end of spending for America 250 commemorations. The 2027 budget also will not include federal pandemic relief funds the borough has used in recent years.
Council members asked staff to bring back parking usage and revenue data, including estimates of how rate changes could affect income. They also discussed updates to the borough’s fee schedule, including reducing the vehicle boot fee and simplifying charges for reserving metered parking spaces. Those changes remain part of the budget review.
The council indicated it would add a $5,000 contribution to the draft budget for the Jack Hopkins House project in Gettysburg’s Third Ward. The organization has requested $75,000 over three years for a capital campaign that includes renovations and a planned Black history museum. The council did not make a final budget appropriation at the workshop.
The borough’s draft budget is scheduled to be posted for public review Nov. 30. Council is scheduled to vote on advertising the budget Nov. 9 and to consider adoption Dec. 14.
