Tamaqua approves small increase in budget

Tamaqua residents will see a small increase in their municipal tax bill next year. Borough council approved the 2020 budget, which includes a tax rate of 22.50 mills, including a 0.25-mill tax increase. Borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt said that a home with an assessed value of $50,000 will see an increase of $6 to $7 in their tax bill next year. Of that, 21 mills will be used for general purposes, 1 mill will be dedicated to the building and equipment fund, and 0.50 mills will be added to the Wabash Capital Improvement Fund.

In other business, council approved handicapped parking space applications for 545 E. Broad St. and 625 Arlington St. They denied one for 432 Hazel St. because there were already the maximum number of allotted spaces in the block. The applicant will be placed on a waiting list. Council approved a certificate of appropriateness for 15 Mauch Chunk St., for an awning, lighting and signage.

Councilman Brian Connely advised council that the water authority will not be proceeding with the proposed contract for the solar renewable energy installation that was proposed. Connely said that the decision was based on the lack of a guarantee on the return on investment after 25 years.

“The potential loss is $90,000. Why would we spend $1 million to lose $90,000?” he said. “We’re just not able to get to the usage that they originally said that we could.”

George E. Boyle III was appointed to the zoning board.

Council was advised by the Schuylkill Animal Response Team that officer Aaron Koehler was being recognized for his service to animals, after his “invaluable assistance” handling the rescue and relocation of several animals after a fire in a residence earlier this year.

Police chief Henry Woods recommended the hiring of part time police officer Derrek Koch. Council approved the request.

Council approved the street material bids for 2020.

Council recognized members of the 2019 Tamaqua Football team for their victorious season and their advancement to the State playoff games. Members of the team were presented with citations from state Sen. David Argall, state Rep. Jerry Knowles, Rep. Dan Meuser and Tamaqua Borough Council. Argall was on hand to make the presentation. Council President David Mace applauded the efforts of the team and congratulated them on bringing the community together.

“The pride you guys brought to this community was evident, and it grew with each successive game,” he said.

Council will hold its reorganization meeting on Jan. 6, followed by its regular monthly meeting.