East Greenville Borough Council voted Monday night to approve its 2024 budget of $2,343,182. Its property tax rate will increase from 6.75 mills to 7.25 mills, an increase of 0.5 mills.

            The water budget was approved at $1,254,321. The water rate will increase by $2.  The minimum water usage of 3,000 gallons will be approximately $67 in 2024.

            The borough council voted to employ a full time police officer, Michael Altomare, who begins his full time duties on January 1, 2024. Altomare was highly recommended by the Civil Service Commission as well as an East Greenville resident who attended the meeting.

            Altomare joined the department in July as a part-time officer. He previously worked for the Marlborough Township Police Department

            In another matter, the borough council agreed to advertise its updated rental property ordinance. The updated ordinance will explain the legislative necessity of a rental ordinance.  A section of the ordinance will define what constitutes a rooming house.  It is expected rental properties that have multiple apartments will have 25 percent of their units inspected on a rotating basis.

            To avoid the problems related to absentee landlords, the updated ordinance, if approved, will require a local contact. Borough Solicitor Mike Peters, of Eastburn & Grey, recommended the section of the rental ordinance that relates to search warrants of rental properties not be added to the updated ordinance until a lawsuit in Pottstown related to rental search warrants is settled. 

            The court decision could impact rental search warrants. Peters noted the advertised ordinance can be amended prior to adoption by the borough council if the council is concerned about a portion of the updated ordinance.

            The borough council approved a payment of $80,768.61 to AMS for road work in the borough.  The payment represents a savings to East Greenville of $2,067.19.

            The borough's Property Committee approved John Membrino to perform renovations at the borough hall. The pews in the borough hall, which was formerly a church, will be advertised on Municibid for $25 dollars each.

            On January 2, 2024, council will hold its reorganization meeting, as well as its regular monthly meeting.  Members noted that some residents might have a holiday on April 1, Easter Monday, the date normally scheduled for a borough council meeting.  So, the date for the borough council meeting in April will be changed to April 2.

            Council is seeking applicants for the position of alternate to the East Greenville zoning hearing board. It is an appointed position.  A zoning hearing board is a quasi-judicial board that requires discretion on the part of its members.