Public Works Department
With a crew leader and six crewmen, this department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of borough streets, sewer lines, and water lines. They also salt and plow the borough streets, when necessary, during the winter.
Etna's water is pumped from wells, which are approximately thirty feet beneath the bed of the Allegheny River. This water is pumped to the Shaler Township treatment plant, treated, and then stored in Etna's two storage tanks located atop the borough in the area of Christler and Bottomfield Streets. From these tanks, the treated water is distributed to the town's homes by gravity.
Zoning Code Officer / Building Inspector
As Zoning Code Officer, this person is responsible for acting on zoning violations. Normally, violators will be asked to comply with zoning code specifications. If the violator is non-compliant, the Zoning Code Officer has the authority to issue a citation and take the violator before the local magistrate.
When there is new construction or major improvements are to be made to an existing property, the owner must request a building/zoning permit. The Zoning Code Officer/Building Inspector examines the plans and has the authority to grant or deny the permit in accordance with borough ordinances and zoning codes.
Occupancy Permit
When a vacant building, home, or apartment is to be occupied, the owner must fill out an occupancy permit and send it to the Borough Office.
Building and occupancy permits are available at the Borough Office.
Zoning Appeals Board
Any business or citizen who has been cited for a zoning violation or denied a building permit may appeal the decision before the Zoning Appeals Board. The primary purpose of this three-member, Council-appointed board is to help assure fair and equitable application and administration of the zoning ordinances. Upon receiving an appeal, the board advertises a hearing date, conducts the hearing and listens to testimony from all concerned parties. After analyzing this testimony, the board votes to uphold or reverse the Zoning Officer's decision.
Tax Collector
Property owners in Etna pay property tax to Allegheny County, Etna Borough, and Shaler Area School District. The borough and school taxes are collected by Etna's Tax Collector who is elected by Etna citizens every four years.
Keystone Municipal Collections
Other taxes levied by the borough include wage, occupation, and mercantile taxes. The one percent (1%) wage tax is levied on earned income. The receipts are divided evenly between the borough and the school district. Occupation tax is a $10.00 assessment to individuals who are employed in the borough. Mercantile tax is assessed on businesses operating in Etna. These taxes are presently collected by Keystone Municipal Collections.
Trash Removal
Garbage removal is provided for by Council. Over the past forty years, private haulers have been contracted to remove rubbish and garbage on a weekly basis. Residents pay a yearly fee for this service. Particulars about the schedule, where and when the rubbish should be placed, and what the haulers will take can be obtained at the Borough Office.