Pennsburg Borough Council approved its 2021 budget that holds the line on taxes. Last week, without discussion, the members voted unanimously to approve a $2.394 million balanced budget. They also approved a separate motion that maintains a 7.225 millage rate.

            Municipal officials previously detailed the budget, which allocates an additional $44,000 for road repairs, transfers $20,000 to savings and creates the possibility for the borough to hire a fifth full-time police officer toward the end of next year, according to borough President Diane Stevens.

            It also increases the designated amount to purchase minor equipment from $2,400 to $35,000 and includes a $20 increase in trash fees. Rather than examine each line item, the members went through the budget's projected revenue and expenses in sections.

            According to the council president, municipal officials expect to spend $224,000 on street repairs in the upcoming year. She said after the meeting that borough officials have reached a consensus on the need to reconstruct 5th Street from Dotts Street to Penn Street.

            In October, Stevens said municipal officials were still figuring out which other streets require immediate attention, according to Stevens.

Jason Kulp, the municipality's roads and maintenance supervisor, identified East Third Street, Lakeview Terrace and Lake Lane as needing significant repairs.  "All three are deteriorating," Kulp said after the Oct. 27 meeting.

            According to Stevens, the transfer to savings will be utilized to create a seven- and ten-year plan for road maintenance equipment. She explained after the meeting that the municipality will likely need to finance the purchase of a dump truck and backhoe in five years.

            In terms of the increase for minor equipment, borough officials expect to purchase multiple items, including an air compressor and possibly a mower, in order to rely less on neighboring municipalities. Stevens said the borough might consider cutting its own grass rather than putting the work out for bid.

            Municipal officials have budgeted $22,500 for six months' worth of payments on a potential loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Stevens said in October they will learn in the spring if the loan has been granted, and that the money would likely be awarded next summer.

            Residents will pay $230 in fees per unit for trash and recycle removal in 2021. They did not see an increase in 2019, according to the council president. 

"For what residents will be getting, that price is really good," she said during the meeting.