During the Dec. 16 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council members approved the 2025 budget. The budget keeps the 15.05 mill tax rate the same for residents.

There were two options for the tax rate — 15.05 mills or 14.52 mills. The 14.52 mill number would include a small reduction for residents. According to council and borough administration, it would be an approximate $50 average savings.

Before the tax rate vote, borough Manager Glenn Eckhart cautioned against the tax reduction option, saying the borough is still behind financially in some areas, leaving them with a lower bond rating. He noted the budget they just approved included $485,000 from the reserves to fill a deficit.

The decision on the tax rate was a close 4-3 vote to keep the tax rate the same. Councilwoman Jill Smerdon, leading the vote to reduce the rate, apologized to residents when the vote swung the other way.

Council Vice President Brian Bartholomew and Councilman Eugene Schlegel said now is not the time for the reduction.

“We’ll never get stabilized until we are stable,” Schlegel said.

Eckhart and council President Howard Cunningham reported borough leaders have been frugal with spending over the last year, and they cut more than $1 million from the budget to keep numbers low.

Cunningham also thanked Eckhart and the treasurer, Catherine Van Dyne, for their diligent work in keeping borough finances on track and working to hold the line on taxes while looking forward to prepare for the future and maintain borough infrastructure. Eckhart noted it was a full team effort.

In related business, council also approved the water, sewer and refuse rates for 2025, as well as a $25 senior discount and $30 early-payment discount for 2025 refuse bills.

A resident addressed council and suggested changing the structure of billing for water usage. She reported they operate on a 5,000-gallon minimum amount, which some residents might not be reaching. She said it is an “unnecessary burden” for them to pay for the extra water they aren’t using. Eckhart noted there are issues with the meters being older and inefficient, but the borough is not in a place financially or staffing wise to fix that problem. She asked they consider making adjustments in the future to better serve the residents.

Early in the meeting, Eckhart shared a possible change in his future with the borough. He had previously announced his intent to resign from his position but has since had a change of heart. Eckhart said he “thinks the borough is moving in the right direction.”

Following last month’s unanimous vote of confidence from council and Eckhart’s comments, Cunningham made a motion to rescind Eckhart’s resignation request, which was approved unanimously.

In another borough personnel move, council approved the appointment of Deanna Decker to serve as the new borough treasurer, effective Jan. 6, 2025. She received a warm welcome and congratulations from council members.

Decker was also approved to serve as the Berkheimer liaison regarding tax information.

It was reported the police chief process is in the contract negotiation stage. Officer John Wiseman, current probationary police chief, passed the Civil Service Commission background, physical and psychological tests. They are now discussing contract terms.

Additionally, Officer Steve Parr was approved as a full-time officer in the borough for a conditional probationary period.

In other police department news, resolution 2024-5 regarding amendments to the Civil Service Commission’s rules and regulations was tabled. The resolution would include the option to excuse background investigations and/or physical and psychological testing if the applicant is a current member of the police department and if they had been subjected to these tests when hired. It was noted officers only undergo background tests when they are hired. Some council members questioned why they aren’t required to get tested more regularly, like teachers or other civil jobs.

The resolution was tabled for further discussion.

Council heard a presentation from representatives of Rivers Edge Girl Scouts. The Scouts are hoping to get approval for a community project to add two Gaga Ball pits at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. Gaga Ball is a dodgeball-style game where players must stay within the pit area and try and hit each other with balls. The balls must be hit by hand and must hit the opposing players at or below the knee.

Eckhart said they are already looking into areas at the park for the possible game pits to be set up. Mayor Barbara Schlegel added she’s played the game and had fun.

The mayor also presented the Scouts with certificates for helping with the recent tree lighting and Catty Kindlmart event. She also thanked everyone involved with the event, noting donations from Friends of Catasauqua Parks and other residents ensured this community event did not cost the borough any money.

A resident approached council and asked about the possibility of starting a Big Brothers Big Sisters-style mentoring program in the borough and school district. She noted many youth in the area are experiencing mental health concerns and anxiety struggles, and a program like this could be helpful. Council gave her some suggestions about whom to contact.

Borough Engineer Vanessa Nedrick gave her report, including her efforts to meet with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to discuss the Race Street project. It was reported the traffic lights will not be installed until 2026, but the borough wants to get the new parking lot open for residents sooner.

Council discussed the attorney fee schedule for the borough, including Charles Smith, borough solicitor; David Knerr, Civil Service attorney; and Jared Hanna, labor attorney. Hanna is joining the borough to replace the current retiring labor attorney, at the recommendation of Smith.

There was additional discussion about the engineering fee schedule and DRC Technologies information technology agreements for the borough and police department. Eckhart also reported they renewed the contract with No Nonsense Neutering for TNR services for stray cats in the borough. He said the $1,000 for 25 services agreement was a success, so they kept the rate the same.

Last month, a motion regarding the Pearl Street development was tabled until the neighboring resident received and signed the easement agreement. It was reported this condition was met, so council approved changing the developer on the project from TF Pearl Holdings LLC to Greenwood Builders LLC. Greenwood is also already named as the owner.

There are openings on the borough zoning hearing board, planning commission, code of appeals and borough authority.

Other approvals included the 2025 meeting schedule; a lease to own a backhoe, to replace the borough’s current 2003 vehicle, at $167,500 to be paid over seven years; and the Environmental Protection Agency-required local limits for pretreatment at the wastewater treatment plant.

Borough council will next meet 6 p.m. Jan. 6, 2025, for committee and workshop meetings and 7 p.m. Jan. 20, 2025, for the business meeting. All meetings are held in the borough municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.