An ongoing dispute between Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township was again the main topic at the Oct. 2 borough council meeting.

Hellertown special counsel Jeff Stewart summarized a recent offer addressed to the borough from Lower Saucon officials. Some of its provisions include annual funding for the Hellertown Area Library in return for seats on its board and an outright purchase of the Saucon Valley Compost Center, which is physically located in the township but owned by the borough.

Council Vice President Matt Marcincin and councilor Liz Thompson noted that the library operates independently and the council has no role in its day-to-day operations. Consequently, they could not accept the offer even if the body wanted to.

Councilor Andrew Hughes also expressed concerns about its timing, and his colleagues Mike McKenna, Terri Fadem, and Earl Hill also expressed disinterest in supporting the proposal.

Mayor David Heintzelman supported the decision to deny the offer, calling it a “political stunt.” Meanwhile, council President Thomas Rieger said the proposal would give Lower Saucon total control over the library and the compost center.

Residents Beth Blose and Pastor Phil Spohn of Christ Lutheran Church spoke, requesting the council issue a statement rebuttal. Another resident, Ken Blose, noted the upcoming November election, where multiple council candidates are on the ballot, and suggested postponing discussions.

Subsequently, Rieger announced that the special counsel would prepare a response letter. Council passed a motion to authorize a written rebuttal letter to the community, posted on Hellertown’s Facebook page on Oct. 9.

In addition to the funding dispute, the meeting addressed various other issues.

Heintzelman requested authorization to hold a “trunk-or-treat” and band concert event at Dimmick Park on Halloween evening, which was approved. The decision attracted some criticism from residents concerned about its overlap with traditional trick-or-treating, scheduled for the same time.