The council’s primary focus was the upcoming budget, which includes a local tax hike of approximately $135 and an additional $18 for library services. This adjustment supports the borough’s general operations, with increased costs in salaries, utilities, and solid waste removal. Amid these fiscal constraints, the borough’s auditors provided a detailed budget overview, indicating that spending was just $27,000 below state-mandated caps. Despite the tight budget, the borough managed to comply with a two percent tax levy cap, resulting in a decrease of two cents on the average property assessment.

However, the budget discussions revealed a more nuanced picture. Although spending appeared to decrease, this was partly due to reduced debt payments, effectively increasing operational costs. The current budget increase of $145 per household was scrutinized, especially considering the borough’s efforts to address an $826,000 unfunded amount from the previous year. Surplus funds had been used to cover this deficit, highlighting a strategy of financial catch-up.

The council also discussed the financial dynamics between the borough and the local school system. The borough’s proposed payment of $222,500 to the school was a contentious topic, with questions raised about the rationale for continuing such allocations given the school’s recent tax increases. The discussion explored the broader implications for local taxpayers, with the potential burden of covering increased school taxes if the borough withheld the payment.

Health insurance emerged as a significant expenditure, with costs rising by 27%, adding pressure to the budget. The borough’s reliance on a one-time revenue of $1.3 million from a property sale was significant yet uncertain due to pending agreements. The potential delay in closing this sale could impact the budget adoption timeline, affecting timely tax bill issuance. To mitigate these challenges, the council sought to expedite the property sale approval process.

Discussion also extended to the borough’s infrastructure and recreation budgeting. Concerns were raised about the reduced allocation for road improvements, with actual expenditures in the previous year at $337,000, dropping to a proposed $36,000 for 2026. This prompted calls for increased investment in infrastructure, despite the borough’s recent large-scale projects, including two new buildings.

The council explored the need to adjust recreation fees, acknowledging the current rates as insufficient. Suggested increases aimed to offset financial losses from underfunded programs, with summer camp fees proposed to rise from $60 to $75 per week.

Further complicating the financial landscape, the borough’s planned $7 million borrowing was discussed, emphasizing integration with existing debts and caution against using new debt for additional projects. This borrowing would require repayment within ten years if kept as temporary notes, with a bond sale anticipated in 2029 to address the debt.

The meeting also touched on the borough’s efforts to secure grants for electric vehicle charging stations, although a recent application was unsuccessful. The council considered constructing less expensive level two chargers as an alternative, working with a developer planning to install three chargers.