Borough Council Approves Preliminary 2012 Budget

Although , Hellertown Borough Council approved a preliminary 2012 borough budget that calls for a .75 mill increase on Nov. 7. The approval was by a vote of 5-2.

The millage increase will translate into a $37.50 annual increase in taxes for the average Hellertown household, Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said.

It was incorporated into the budget to help offset a $566,000 operating deficit, which Kichline has partly attributed to flat revenues over the last three years.

The approved preliminary budget also calls for laying off one full-time police officer and several summertime public works employees.

This year, the salaries and benefits of two full-time borough officers were funded by a grant from the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority; however, .

Council members voted on the budget without much discussion, but councilwoman Stephanie Kovacs--who voted against approving the preliminary budget--said she felt like the borough was "kicking the can again."

The total preliminary budget slightly exceeds $3 million, and in addition to the tax increase, calls for the use of $107,500 from the borough's fund balance, which is a financial reserve.

The preliminary budget is now available for public inspection at Hellertown Borough Hall, and a copy of the budget will also be posted on the borough's website, it was announced.

Kichline said final approval of the budget will be on council's agenda at its Dec. 5 meeting.

In addition to Kovacs, councilman Tom Rieger also voted against approval of the preliminary budget.