Alburtis Borough Council held its first meeting of the new year Jan. 8. The meeting included a key agreement with the police department, financial reviews and updates from borough officials.

The meeting commenced 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an open public comment period. There were no comments.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer did not have a report for the evening’s meeting. There were no comments during the police report which highlighted the crime statistics in the month of December 2024.

Council reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes from its Dec. 23, 2024 meeting.

The treasurer’s report was next approved and provided a detailed overview of the borough’s fiscal status. Bills for payment were also reviewed and approved, ensuring the borough’s financial obligations were up to date. A discussion was had on the higher costs for trash and recycling pickup, with many comments on the way costs have increased exponentially for not just the borough, but all over the county.

The Macungie Ambulance Corps report highlighted nine calls to the borough throughout the month of December 2024.

The borough engineer was not in attendance, but the engineer’s report provided an update on current projects. There was no discussion; council President Ron DeIaco noted the number of projects is starting to trim down.

Under administration, council unanimously passed Resolution 2025-1, which formalizes a memorandum of understanding with the Alburtis Police Officers Association. Some council members were shocked by the amount of carry-over vacation time by police officers moving into 2025.

Next, council quickly reviewed the Wescosville Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association compliance audit for the period of January 2022 through December 2023.

Council finished the meeting by approving a request to purchase street banners to support the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Main Street grant reimbursement initiative. Members discussed the banners’ benefits, including bolstering community pride and local business visibility.

The meeting concluded thereafter. Alburtis Borough Council’s next scheduled meeting will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Alburtis Borough Hall, 260 Franklin St.