Schuylkill Haven Borough Council approved the 2024 preliminary budget at the board’s Dec. 6 meeting. The budget will be available for inspection by the public leading up to the Dec. 20 council meeting, when the budget is to be officially adopted.
The preliminary budget keeps tax rates the same through 2024, but there will be a slight increase in some utility rates including a 5% hike in electric bills, directly related to projected increased transmission costs. An average residential customer using 1000 KWH can expect about a $10 increase.
The budget includes a sanitation increase of $2 per account. Borough administrator Jessica Seiders says that the 2023 recycling and sanitation contract included an increase of about $10 per account. This year’s budget included an incremental increase of $5 for sanitation. With a $2 increase in 2024, $7 of the $10 hike will be covered.
The preliminary budget was unanimously approved by those present. Donald “Doc” Dress, was absent.
The meeting began with a presentation by the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association to recognize Zack Faust, a Schuylkill Haven wastewater treatment plant employee, as “operator of the year.”
Phil Giunta, representing the water association, explained to council that as part of his duties, plant operators in the state are regularly recognized for their accomplishments and Zack as an easy nomination given all of his greatwork since beginning his job in 2017 overseeing the huge borough plant upgrade and seeing the facility through COVID-19.
Faust told council that he hopes to see the borough facility become “plant of the year.”
Council approved advertising a dilapidated structure along the 200-block of Center Avenue, acquired by the borough by eminent domain, at a public auction with an opening bid of $15,000, to help recoup costs incurred to address unsafe conditions in the building.
Council approved moving forward with a Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank loan application. PIB loans are offered by PennDOT for projects. Seiders says the goal is to take care of roads in need of maintenance.
Council approved extending an agreement with Next City networks, a partner of Nextera, regarding exploring an opportunity to pilot broadband internet in Schuylkill Haven.
The exploration began this year when it was announced that if it happened, the initiative would include the installation of fiber wires and communication radio equipment on poles throughout the borough. The goal is to launch a broadband program in town within the next five years.
Council approved restocking trout in area waters.
Wreaths Across America observances in honor of deceased veterans will occur in the borough on Dec. 14, starting at Bubeck Park and ending at St. Ambrose, with a non-religious, patriotic service.
Mayor Michael Devlin said the Glow awards will be announced at the next meeting. The awards encourage residents to decorate their properties for the holiday season.
Local Troop 622 will host its annual Christmas tree collection on Sat., Jan. 13, with an inclement weather date of Jan. 20 or 21.
Source: Berkshire mont