Without discussion, Pennsburg Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a budget for 2024 with a 1 mill tax increase. The $3.479 million budget will include a dedicated revenue stream of approximately $125,000 for emergency responders.

            The tax increase will cost the average property owner approximately $125, according to council President Diane Stevens.

Municipal officials will collect the tax and direct 75 percent of it to the Pennsburg Volunteer Fire Company and 25 percent to the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance, noted Administrative Manager Lisa Hiltz.

            Residents won't see an increase in their trash bill. The members approved a separate resolution establishing the trash fees at $315 per dwelling unit for the second straight year.

            Following the vote, Member Wayne Stevens told the members they have a decision looming next year over the borough's current agreement with Waste Management. Council has until the end of 2024 to decide to opt for two additional years with the company.

            Council acted on several personnel issues. It voted to appoint Brian Mentzer to the Civil Service Commission. Mayor Charles Shagg swore in Mentzer, a Dotts Street resident and former director of security at Perkiomen School, after the vote.

            The members filled a vacancy on the planning commission by voting to appoint Brendan Beshore. They also voted to appoint James Breidenbach to the Zoning Hearing Board. Breidenbach filled the vacancy created by Wayne Schaffer's resignation. Schaffer served on the board for 17 years and was initially appointed to the board as an alternate in 2000.

            Council also voted to reappoint Shagg and Wayne Stevens to the planning commission, Ron Robinson to a six-year appointment to the civil service commission and Bill Ingram to the Upper Montgomery Joint Authority board of directors.

            Diane Stevens said council initially had some issues related to Ingram and that they were resolved during a recent meeting. The council president did not elaborate further.

            Diane Stevens announced that Pennsburg Commons, located at 998 Main St., was sold Monday. She did not know who purchased the subsidized housing community, on 7.869 acres, or the sale price. She said more information would be available during the following week. The property, which has been appraised and assessed at $1.064 million, includes 50 residential units and one commercial office.

            In November, the Upper Perk Police Department responded to 602 total calls. That included 235 for public services, 90 traffic details, and 87 vehicle investigations. Its officers issued 67 traffic citations and 40 warnings.

            The officers made eight criminal arrests, issued six summary offenses and six parking tickets or warnings. They also responded to six non-reportable vehicle accidents and one false alarm call at a business, according to information presented by Chief Joe Adam.

            The Pennsburg department responded to three thefts and three DUIs, two incidents of forgery/fraud/identity theft, and one each of assault/harassment/stalking, public drunkenness/disorderly conduct and vandalism/criminal mischief.

            Vice President Patrick Suter did not attend the meeting. Council will reorganize during its next meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2.