Property owners in East Greenville won't be facing a tax millage increase in 2023. However, they will face a five percent fee hike for solid waste removal.

            On Monday, council voted unanimously to advertise a budget for next year with a $2.580 million general fund balance. The millage rate will remain at 6.75. Municipal officials approved a 0.5 millage rate increase as part of the 2022 budget.

            According to President Angie Fegely, residents will pay an additional $8 to have their trash picked up. After the meeting, she described the rate hike as a contractual obligation between the borough and Whitetail Disposal.

            Fegely said the budget calls for transferring $302,000 from the borough's capital expenses account for the maintenance of a portion of Washington Street and Green Alley from Second Street to either Third or Fourth streets.

            Additionally, the borough is expected to use approximately $392,000 of its funds from the American Rescue Plan to complete multiple projects at the borough's water plant. During the meeting, Manager Jim Fry mentioned the installation of a generator and the completion of a painting project.

            The members hope to formally approve the budget at their next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.

            Council voted to pay Styer Associates $10,255 to complete a financial audit on the borough for the current year. The members voted to approve the examination earlier this year.

            In other news, the members voted unanimously to move forward with an interior painting project at the borough's water plant. They directed Fry to sign a contract with a Northampton contractor. Lehigh Valley Remodeling will be paid $24,289.10 to complete the work.

            Two weeks earlier, council granted tentative approval to award the bid. Fry told the members during the Nov. 7 meeting that he would direct the borough's engineering consultant, Cowan Associates, to continue checking the contractor's credentials.

            The borough received two bids on the project, according to Member Douglas Criddle, who chairs the borough's Water Committee. He said Hanahoe Painting, a New Jersey company, submitted a bid of $236,080.

            The members disclosed two bids to repair the roof at the borough's old water plant. Finding a third one has proven elusive, said the manager. However, Solicitor Michael Peters advised them not to proceed until they acquire a third bid.

            Fry informed council that Mark J. Fisher Roofing, of Quakertown, bid $14,557 to install a new shingled roof. He said Tim Smith's Roofing & Carpentry, located in the borough, came in several hundred dollars lower ($12,950).

            The work incorporated the installation of four block roof access hatches and moisture ventilation, according to Fry. Peters recommended that Cowan Associates put out bid specifications for the project.

            Member Melissa Leinbach did not attend the meeting, which lasted approximately 15 minutes.

            President Angie Fegely announced that council met in executive session from 6:30 to 6:48 p.m. Monday to discuss issues of personnel and legal matters.