During the Nov. 18 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council approved the first reading of the 2025 proposed budget. Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart reported this is a balanced budget, and there is no increase in taxes.

To achieve the balance, Eckhart noted $485,000 was pulled from the general fund. This helped fill the deficit without a tax hike for residents.

It was mentioned the council and administration can continue looking at the budget to consider a tax reduction, but Eckhart assured residents there will be no increase. The final budget will be approved in December.

Early in the meeting, council President Howard Cunningham called for a vote of confidence for Eckhart. Council voted unanimously, with two council members absent, in support of Eckhart and his work in the borough.

“Trust is important,” Eckhart said. “Thank you.”

In other business, council approved resolution 23-2024 for a sewage facilities plan, as required by the Department of Environmental Protection for the Willow Brook Farms subdivision. Despite being built in Allen Township, the borough needs the plan since the project connects to the borough sewer system.

Additionally, resolution 24-2024 for a Local Share Account grant application was approved. The borough is seeking $39,579 for three portable speed signs to deter speeding in the borough.

In a related matter, a couple of residents approached council with concerns about reckless driving and speeding from Lehigh Street onto South Front Street. One of their suggestions was changing a portion of South Front Street, from High Street to Lehigh Street, to one way traveling south. Council will investigate the matter.

It was reported the process to officially name the new police chief is continuing. John Wiseman, the current department officer in charge, is in the physical and psychological testing portion of the process.

An additional new full-time officer is reportedly expected to be certified by the Civil Service Commission shortly.

The engineer report included the approval of a payment certificate for $59,049 for the wastewater treatment plant roof replacement project, a change order of a $112.20 credit back to the borough for the Race Street parking lot project and a payment certificate for $76,081.34 for the Race Street lot.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick said she is pursuing a conversation with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation about speeding along the process of opening the Race Street lot and addressing some of council’s concerns.

Nedrick also addressed recent notices residents received about water lines. She noted they are a statewide mandate required by the Environmental Protection Agency and DEP to check for lead or copper galvanized piping. She said residents should not worry and should reach out with any concerns.

A Pearl Street project update was shared with council. Greenwood Builders LLC is stepping in to the role of developer, and permits are being collected. It was noted the neighboring landowner never received the easement agreement paperwork, so any approvals were tabled until they can look into the easement issue.

Residents are sought to fill vacancies on the zoning hearing board, planning commission and code board of appeals.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel offered appreciation and support for the extra work being done by the fire department with the recent dry weather. Fire Chief Rich Hertzog noted the Catasauqua and North Catasauqua departments have been working hard in the boroughs and surrounding areas. He also noted they were heavily enforcing the recent burn ban, giving out citations with a zero-tolerance policy.

Schlegel noted the Catty Kindlmart and tree lighting are set for 2-5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the borough municipal complex, 90 Bridge St. There will be crafts, choir performances and a visit from Santa. The event is held at no cost to the borough, with the costs fronted by the Friends of Catasauqua Parks and the mayor.

Council will next meet 6 p.m. Dec. 2 for workshop and committee meetings and 7 p.m. Dec. 16 for the regular business meeting. Meetings are held in the municipal complex.