Borough leaders in a budget mode

both Coaldale and Lansford borough councils are beginning to craft 2010 budgets.

In Coaldale, the current spending plan is at $1.225 million.

As council embarks on a new one, it must keep in mind that a new sanitation contract will need to be negotiated next year.

Currently, residents pay $65 a quarter to have their trash collected by Tamaqua Transfer and Recycling.

In Lansford, the current budget is $1,382,579.50.

As council begins planning, it must build a new budget around at least one change, an increase in the Police Pension MMO of about $32,000.

It will likely take months to arrive at budgets that balance revenues with expenses while trying to avoid tax increases.

The new spending plans must be in place by Dec. 31.