Mars Borough Council voted Monday night to approve the borough’s 2026 budget and unanimously adopted a revised public events policy following extensive discussion with residents and business owners during its December meeting.
Council approved the 2026 budget with projected revenues of $2,171,055.43 and expenses of $2,146,835.47, resulting in a projected surplus of $24,219.95.
Following public input, council revised the proposed event policy to expand eligibility beyond nonprofit organizations. The revised event application reflects the changes approved by council, expanding eligibility to include Mars Borough businesses, residents, property owners, the Mars Area School District, and nonprofit organizations. While the updated policy broadens who may apply, it maintains existing requirements that event organizers cover application fees, insurance, and any borough services needed, including police or public works support. Borough officials also retain authority to modify or suspend events if safety, weather, or emergency conditions warrant.
The revised language followed discussion with business owners and residents who attended the meeting and raised concerns about the original proposal, which limited event applications exclusively to nonprofit organizations. Council members said the updated policy better reflects the role that local businesses, residents, and community partners play in organizing and supporting community events in the borough.
Council President Mike Fleming said the goal of the revisions was to balance community interests while ensuring events are managed responsibly.
“We are just trying to do what’s best for everyone,” Fleming said.
During the discussion, Council member Alan Boburczak said the borough reviewed public event policies from neighboring communities, including Zelienople, Harmony, and Saxonburg, as part of its evaluation process. He noted that those municipalities’ policies were less restrictive than the version initially proposed in Mars and said the comparisons helped inform revisions aimed at making the final policy more inclusive.
All council members voted in favor of the revised policy.
Calling the outcome “a win-win,” Nick Salkeld, co-owner of Stick City, said he was encouraged by the borough’s direction.
“I am excited to see Mars Borough move forward with a formal events policy, one that reflects community involvement, provides appropriate protections, and clearly outlines expectations for town events,” Salkeld said. “I am especially appreciative of the time and effort put in by those who did the groundwork developing the policy, as well as the support and work of the Mars Borough Council members who ultimately brought it across the line.”
Additional Business
In other business, council approved several financial measures:
Accounts Payable Services: Council unanimously approved hiring Pfeifer & Binder to provide accounts payable services beginning January 2026, at a cost of $350 per month.
PMRS Contribution Increase: Council approved increasing the borough’s Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System (PMRS) contribution rate from 2.25% to 4%.
All motions passed unanimously.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated following the December Mars Borough Council meeting to reflect final vote results, revised policy language, and additional context from council discussion.