Taxes in Pennsburg could be going up next year. Last week, Council introduced a 2023 budget that calls for a 1.5 mill increase. If ratified, the average property owner would owe an additional $188.

            Raising the rate to 8.725 mills would generate an additional $229,124, which will help improve the borough's streets and fund the addition of two new police officers. Council has not raised taxes in five years, said council President Diane Stevens.

            The proposed $3.328 million budget allocates more than $500,000 for "much needed road repairs." Stevens suggested during the Nov. 22 meeting that the projected surplus from the 2022 budget, $16,408 be included in the road repair budget.

            She said municipal officials plan on improving all of Dotts Street and Penn Street from the borough line to 6th Street. Additionally, $238,000 has been designated for curbing on Lakeview Terrace.

            Council took no action following a lengthy discussion. According to Stevens, the members will consider a motion to advertise the budget on Dec. 13. Formal approval would occur two weeks later.

            Council voted to advance one of its current police officers and hire two new ones. It approved separate motions to promote James Sands to corporal and hire Patrick Francis and Thomas Sally, Jr.

            Sands, who reached 20 years of service with the Upper Perk Police Department in September, will serve in a supervisory capacity. His effective start date for the new role is Jan. 1.

            Francis, who currently works for the Marlborough Township Police Department and previously served with the state police, has an effective start date of Jan. 1, 2023. Sally, who has served in the Philadelphia police department, is expected to start on March 1, 2023, according to the agenda.

            Chief Joe Adam said the hires will allow the department to provide near 24-hour local coverage. It currently has six full-time officers on the payroll.  "We need as much police protection as possible," Stevens said.

            Mayor Charles Shagg claimed that numerous constituents have informed him they want additional police coverage, regardless of the cost. "Residents say if there has to be a tax increase then so be it,'" Shagg said during the meeting.

            Adam feels the new officers will allow the department to remain visible in the community and allow it to deal with normal municipal issues, such as traffic and parking. He said the investigation into other more complex crimes often forces his officers off the street and into court.

            Vice President Patrick Suter and Keith Goodwin did not attend the meeting. Wayne Stevens participated by telephone.