At the Oct. 3 Bath Borough Council meeting, council presented its 2023 general fund budget. The final budget is expected to be adopted at council’s Nov. 7 meeting.

Barring any last-minute changes, the budget general fund calls for a 1.7-mill tax increase. Borough Manager Brad Flynn said one mill in tax generates roughly $55,650 at a 100% collection rate.

This is the first Bath general fund tax hike since 2012, Flynn noted. Bath has done a remarkable job managing the borough’s finances. The borough saved nearly $500,000 a year when the decision was made to have Pennsylvania State Police cover the borough police services. State police charge no fee for its services.

Flynn noted a small tax hike was levied in the debt service and fire tax budget millage in 2016.

The average assessed property in Bath is $57,650.70. A taxpayer with a property assessed at $50,000 will experience a $98.34, or an 11.15%, increase.

“The tax increase is unfortunate, but we’re in difficult times. Even with the tax increase, we’ll still need to offset expenses with reserve cash,” Flynn said.

There was a motion to advertise the 2023 budget with a possible vote on the budget at the council meeting Nov. 7.

During the courtesy of the floor portion of the meeting, a resident informed council a zoning issue in her neighborhood was not resolved. Council President Michele Ehrgott said the zoning officer will be told to intervene to address the matter.

Diane Legar, of the Bath Museum Committee, asked council to address an insurance issue at the Siegfried cabin events held three times a year. Ehrgott assured her the concern will be addressed as promptly as possible.

Legar also asked if a liaison from borough council will be appointed to serve the society. Vice President Frank Hesch volunteered to be the liaison from council to the group.

Council member Phyllis Andrews said a recycling event is set for 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 29 and is for Bath residents only. All payments must be cash. Visit bathborough.org or call the borough office for more details.

Hesch announced the 2023 Old Home weekend will be held Aug. 10-12, 2023.

Hesch noted the 2022 Old Home Week finances were under budget for the weeklong celebration. He again thanked all who labored to make the celebration a success.

Leaders of the Bath-Allen Youth Club were present to receive a $300 check generated by the softball tournament held during Old Home Week. Bath-Allen leader Kyle Sergent was delighted for the support of the kids in Bath Borough and Allen Township.

Council appointed Steven D. Brown to the borough’s rental license and inspection board of appeals for a five-year term. Dustin Goldfarb was appointed to a four-year term and Susan Simon for a three-year term on the same board.

Council moved to advertise ordinances 2022-723 and 2022-724. Ordinance information can be retrieved from the borough office, 121 S. Walnut St.

Council will next meet 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at borough hall. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit bathborough.org for the call-in number and access code to view virtually.