Coplay Borough Council members approved the second reading of the 2022 budget at the Dec. 13 meeting.

According to Councilman Steve Burker, there will likely be a slight tax increase for residents in the 2022 budget. The budget was expected to be passed at a special meeting Dec. 20.

With Burker resigning from his council position to serve as mayor beginning in January 2022, there will be an open council seat to serve out the rest of his term, which is two years. Council discussed the need to advertise for the position to give ample time for those interested to apply.

As a result, an agenda item was added to the meeting and a motion was made to approve advertising for the opening.

Council also approved increasing the borough liability insurance plan from $1 million to $2 million. The cost for this increase totals $1,911.

In unfinished business, council discussed reviewing bids received for a new roof on the borough hall building. Part of the roof expense will be paid for with $100,000 in grant funds. The bid must be awarded this month, but the roof will not be replaced until spring 2022.

Council decided to table this item and instead move it to the agenda for the Dec. 20 special meeting.

The motion was made to approve the quote in the amount of $9,919.99 to remove the ash from the borough hall boiler. This motion carried, with all council members voting in favor of approving.

Approval was granted to increase the rent for the Coplay Athletic Club by $30 per month. This brings the total rent charge per month for 2022 to $250.

Council approved a rent increase of $10 per month for Explorer Post 101, which also uses the borough hall. This will bring the total monthly rent for the Post to $60.

The borough has used The Sanctuary at Haafsville for stray animal assistance in the borough for several years. Council voted unanimously to approve the contract with the establishment again for 2022.

Council President Lou Bodisch mentioned, in the public works report, that Christmas tree pickup will begin Jan. 7, 2022, and continue through the end of the month.