North Catasauqua residents may see an increase in tax rates, as borough council discussed a tight budget on the horizon for 2023.

During the Nov. 7 meeting, borough Treasurer Annette Englert reviewed a proposed budget and mentioned all departments should be aware figures will be tight and everyone will need to keep an eye out for unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for the upcoming year.

Englert discussed a tax increase of 1.5%, shifting the current millage rate from 13.7% to 15.2%. She mentioned that, although it seems like a large jump, it is not as significant as what neighboring townships have considered for their tax increases.

Council voted to advertise the proposed budget and tax increase with anticipation of a formal vote at the Dec. 5 meeting. The group will review the budget and determine if the tax rate increase will be fixed at 1.5%.

Discussion surrounding the budget continued with the police department, as a pension audit revealed an unanticipated expense in the department’s pension line. Englert said the increase was due to Pennsylvania’s Act 44 - procedures for the procurement of professional service - which was not budgeted the year before. In addition, funds are being allocated to overtime rates, as there are currently seven full-time police officers employed with no part-timers available.

Police Chief Chris Wolfer was able to modify the department’s budget to take care of the pension plan’s outstanding line item but said he is in desperate need of part-time workers to help decrease the overtime rates.

Council President Pete Paone requested the law committee review Act 44 and budget properly for the following year. Paone also mentioned he expects the borough will have to contribute more to the police pension fund since there are now seven employed officers, which is an increase of two officers from earlier years.

Wolfer also mentioned he and fire Chief Roger Scheirer will be working on auditing handicap spots throughout the borough. They will be checking if residents who were originally approved for these spots are still currently residing in the same location and if their requests are still valid.

In other business, there are several job openings coming to the borough. Council voted to approve postings for a part-time office assistant and a full-time treasurer position, as Englert will be retiring in May 2023. There will also be one seat available for the recreation committee come January that will need to be filled.

Paone discussed illegal sewer connections in the borough - specifically, the water infiltration coming into the pumping station. Borough Solicitor Steve Goudsouzian said North Catasauqua has the option of filing a civil action for damages but suggested council serve citations filed with magisterial district judges instead.

Paone agreed the citation may be more effective and questioned whether a warning letter with a time limit should be sent out to residents first, providing the option of rectifying the illegal sewer connection. Council agreed to send out last-notice letters with a time limit of 45 days to prove an effort to resolve the issue has been made before the borough takes legal action.

North Catasauqua Borough Council will next meet 7 p.m. Nov. 21 in the borough building, 1066 Fourth St.