The ongoing search for a bookkeeper was discussed during the Jan. 15 Macungie Borough Council meeting. Fifteen applications were received; five candidates were interested and only two were interviewed with only one being qualified but with higher salary requirements. The search continues.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, is seeking an office in Macungie 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 7 for outreach services, possibly at the Macungie Institute. Residents can make an appointment or walk in to take care of property tax rent rebates, SEPTA cards, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issues and more. Council approved the request.

Public works requested $1,000 for a lift vehicle to remove holiday décor. Council approved this request.

The discussion over Macungie Volunteer Fire Department continues. The Volunteer Fire Relief Association had been allocated money within the Macungie Borough’s budget. A portion of the funds were given to the Macungie Fire Department in the earlier part of 2023. The VFRA allocation stands at $19,749.23.

Council discussed allocating some of this money to area fire departments who have assisted Macungie. The state auditor general must allow for this to happen; council is awaiting a decision.

Kyle Fisher, a part-time police officer for Macungie, has resigned effective Jan. 19.

Anne Zayaitz, Emmaus Public Library Board president, sent correspondence to the board regarding a new director effective Jan. 22. Lisa Underwood has been the youth services director at the Lower Macungie Library since 2015 and previously worked at the Allentown Public Library. She is a graduate of Emmaus High School and “the Emmaus Library was where she went as a child/teen,” Zayaitz noted.

Ordinance 2024-01 regarding the sewer debt service elimination is out for advertising.

A representative from Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, 1161 Cherry Drive, Stroudsburg, attended the meeting to share information about their program. This organization provides humane care for injured and orphaned wildlife.

No state or federal funding is provided for this organization even with licensed care. This organization relies on tax deductible contributions which can be made to www.poconowildlife.org. Educational programs are available.

There was an executive session held for real estate, legal and personnel issues.