Alburtis Borough Council primarily discussed finances at its virtual meeting Dec. 9.

There was no mayor’s report or police report.

Council carried motions to approve minutes of the Nov. 23 meeting and bills for payment.

Councilmember Stephen Kaufman delivered the treasurer’s report.

“Looks like we’re still on track to finish within budget,” Kaufman said.

Council carried a motion to accept the report.

Moving onto the administration section of the agenda, council carried a motion to advertise the 2021 budget.

“We have a $4 million budget, no tax increase…” Kaufman said. “We also have planned several other street projects … and ongoing sewer projects. Again, we’re transferring from reserves, but that’s expected – that’s what reserves are for. The only bad thing is that the garbage fee is going to have to go up…”

Kaufman mentioned Alburtis borough maintains the lowest local tax rate. Kaufman and other councilmembers credited previous councils for their good financial standing currently.

“We don’t owe anyone any money,” Council President Ron DeIaco said. “That’s a tribute to many councils and particularly to the current council who stands firm on how we spend our money … So, I wanted to thank you all.”

Council then discussed plans for snow removal. After discussing concerns about workers compensation, COVID-19 and costs, council did not carry a motion to contract part-time or seasonal employees to snow blow the sidewalks. Instead, Borough Manager Sharon Trexler agreed to look into hiring a contractor if necessary.

“I think it makes sense to do research on that,” Kaufman said.

Councilmember Hector Vasquez agreed, adding “… Rather than scrambling and trying to find someone, it’s nice to have [a contractor] on standby.”

Trexler then told council Municipal Risk Management will refund the borough $811 from the 2019-2020 payroll audit.

The borough also received notice of a solvency fee of $1,257.03. Trexler and Alburtis Borough Solicitor Dave Knerr advised against paying the fee.

“We get this every year; we have never done it,” Trexler said.

Council followed Trexler’s advice and carried a motion to not pay the solvency fee.

Council also carried a motion to accept Resolution 2020-9 “to reappoint the independent auditor for the fiscal year of 2021,” according to council Vice President Steven Hill.

Trexler next inquired about buying lunch for the employees since the borough does not intend to hold a holiday luncheon this year. Council agreed with the proposal.

Lastly, Trexler informed council of the purchases made with the COVID-19 grant.

“I’m getting within line of $5,000…” Trexler said. “The phone system is becoming more of a money pit … it’s just way too expensive … for a phone system that we may use every couple of years … Everybody has a new monitor… so [employees] can all sit at their own desks … So, we’re not sharing any of that stuff, everyone has their own stuff. Everything is pretty much touchless now except faucets.”

Following that, council adjourned the meeting and moved into a short executive session for personnel, in which DeIaco reported council would “make no decisions.”