Alburtis Borough Council convened on the evening of Dec. 27, 2023, for its year-end meeting.

The meeting kicked off without action taken during public comment and the approval of the meeting minutes from Dec. 13, 2023. Following this, the approval of the bills for payment and the fiscal consultant’s report were given.

Next, the council addressed critical matters set to significantly impact Alburtis in the coming year. The adoption of the 2024 budget was the centerpiece of the meeting.

Ordinance 583 established the real estate tax rate for the fiscal year 2024 at 4.58 mills. This included 4.50 mills designated for general borough purposes and an additional 0.08 mills earmarked for fire-related initiatives. The increase of 0.75 mills over the tax rate for the previous fiscal year indicated a conscientious effort to address the evolving needs of the community. Furthermore, the ordinance confirmed adjustments to various fees and penalties.

In tandem with Ordinance 583, the council passed Ordinance 584, which revised compensation or compensation ranges for specific positions within the borough. This revision, effective Jan. 1, is extended to administrative employees, maintenance staff, the chief of police and professionals.

The ordinance also reaffirmed the existing fidelity bond requirements for designated borough employees.

On matters related to public safety, council passed Resolution No. 2023-18, which reduced the contributions by police officers to 4%. Additionally, a decision to advertise a part-time maintenance position was approved.

The council then approved parking stalls on Park Lane. The meeting also covered future projects, including the Bicentennial Village preconstruction meeting. However, there was a request to have another preconstruction meeting in the future.

Following this, council acknowledged the notification of receiving a Pennsylvania small water and sewer grant. Additionally, notifications from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and a letter from solid waste service company J.P. Mascaro & Sons were discussed, although no action was needed to be taken.

The meeting was then adjourned.

The next Alburtis Council meeting will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 10. Meetings are held at Alburtis Borough Hall, 260 Franklin St.