PORT CARBON — The borough council Tuesday approved its 2016 budget with a 2-mill tax increase, with a 4 to 2 vote.
“We haven’t had a tax increase in over five years, but yet our costs have gone up and up and up and we’re trying to make ends meet and we just can’t do it anymore. Something just has to be done,” council member Ray Steranko said after the council’s December meeting Tuesday night.
The $948,968.27 spending plan includes a $783,199.40 general fund budget, a $130,758.87 liquid fuel fund and a $35,010 operating reserve fund.
Plus the borough expects $186,458 in state grants for borough “watershed” projects, according to Sandra L. Palokas, borough secretary/treasurer. With that included, the total borough budget for 2016 is $1,135,426.27.
The 2015 millage was at 12.149, or $12.14 for each $1,000 of assessed property. The 2016 millage will be 14.149, or $14.14 for each $1,000 of assessed property, Palokas said at the meeting.
“The average property owner will see an increase of about $45,” she said.
The council approved the tax increase with a motion by Steranko, which was seconded by council member Andy Palokas. It was carried with votes from council members Mike Quercia and Warren Thomas. The council approved the budget with a motion by Steranko, which was seconded by Thomas and carried with votes by Palokas and Quercia.
Council President Harold “Bucky” Herndon and Vice President John Franko voted “no” to the tax increase and budget.
Councilwoman A. Berniece Shirey was absent from the meeting.
Herndon said Shirey has been dealing with health issues in recent months. He expects her to be at the borough’s reorganization meeting, which is slated for 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at borough hall.
In other matters, Mayor Charles R. “Chuck” Joy expects more than 140 children to be in the borough Friday night for the lighting of the borough’s Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the gazebo near the Port Carbon Public Library at 111 Pike St.
Organized by the Port Carbon Citizens Committee, the event will include a “Leiby’s Christmas Horse & Trolley Ride” at the First United Methodist Church following the tree lighting. Rides will be $3 per person. To buy tickets, call 570-573-1946, according to the committee’s Facebook page.