Nesquehoning OKs budget with no hike

Nesquehoning residents can expect to pay the same for their real estate taxes, sanitation and sewage services next year.

On Wednesday, borough council formally adopted the 2019 budget with no tax increase, which leaves the millage rate at 18.55.

That means that a $100,000 home assessed at $50,000 will again pay the same amount in real estate taxes as in 2018.

The breakdown for the $1,849,212.78 spending plan call for 16.5 mills going to the general fund, 1.75 mills going to fire protection and 0.3 mills going to recreation.

Councilman Frank Jacobs outlined the budget’s anticipated receipts and expenditures for next year before the adoption.

He added that sanitation and sewage fees will also remain the same in 2019.

In other matters, council adopted Act 172, which will help volunteer emergency responders through a tax credit program that gives them a credit for their earned income and property taxes.

Those credits are up to $200 each based on the volunteer’s eligibility in the program, annual income and property they reside.

The ordinance establishes the credit program for volunteer firefighters who are members of Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1, New Columbus Fire Company or Hauto Volunteer Fire Company. Also listed as an eligible entity is the Nesquehoning Ambulance Service, which is disbanding on Sunday.