For the Dec. 16 Macungie Borough Council meeting, the final council meeting of the year, Vice President Roseann Schleicher prepared a goodbye to Borough Manager Chris Boehm and council members. Greg Hutchinson, Debra Cope and Chris Becker.

Schleicher praised Boehm for her 20 years of hard work and dedication “which has helped the wonderful Borough of Macungie remain so and become more.” Schleicher said Boehm’s door was always open for questions and answers. Schleicher advised Boehm to not let people know she’s not working because people will find things for her to do.

She also praised Hutchison’s years of hard work for the community. She advised him to spend time with his grandchildren.

Cope was thanked for jumping into the spot at the last minute. Schleicher said Cope’s input to discussions was always thought-provoking. She said it was obvious time was spent on research of various topics and projects. Her persistence was greatly appreciated.

Schleicher said Becker would be missed. She said it was obvious decisions made were done so with the residents’ best interest in mind. She said there was respect for differing opinions and Becker had attention to detail and an acute business sense.

Council also welcomed Robert Glisson who began his term as borough manager Dec. 16.

It was reported Macungie Holiday was well received. All who attended enjoyed their time here.

The budget for 2020 was up for approval after being advertised. The 2020 budget does not have a tax increase. The real estate tax remains at 4.25 mills. The general fund’s total revenue is $4,184,586 with expenditures at $4,089,311.

Some notable issues include the loss of CVS and Turf Pro which caused a loss of $2,700 in local service tax revenue.

Cable franchise fees reflect the decrease in revenue. This is due to the continuing decrease of usage of cable. Residents are favoring the use of online streaming services.

The borough continues to pursue grant funding for projects. Grants have been received for various projects to date. The streetscape project has been awarded several grants. A grant was received for a pedestrian bridge on Cotton Street. Another grant award was received for Christmas lights. Decorative lights on Lumber Street and a new dump truck were also funded through grants received.

Other general fund expenditures include police body camera replacements, street paving projects, funds for new street trees, removal of an evergreen, seal coating walking trails, replacing the Flower Park’s picket fence, a police car, A/C units for the police station and borough hall, Macungie Institute air conditioning system, Brookfield Park upgrades and a public works pickup truck.