Summit Hill Borough Council last night gave approval to a tentative budget for 2013 which keeps tax rates the same as they were during 2012.

The budget lists income at $1,387,240, and expenses of $1,360,100, leaving a potential year-end balance of $27,140.It is based on a property tax rate of 16.1 mills, which allocates 14.1 mills for general purposes, 1.5 mills for street lighting, and a half mill for fire protection.Other taxes include an occupation tax, per capita tax, real estate transfer tax, Earned Income Tax, and Cable TV franchise fee.The borough also obtains revenue from moving permits, street opening permits, magistrate fines, parking fines, rental income on buildings, royalty from cell tower rental, and various sources of government funding.The garbage budget shows income of $287,500 and expenses of $277,500.The council discussed making some changes regarding billing residents for garbage collection. Although no formal action was taken, council members said they are considering increasing late fees from $10 to $25 after 30 days.In addition, the council members said they might eliminate the discount for early garbage collection payments. However, they will offer Internet billing and may provide a discount to individuals opting into this service since it will save on paperwork and clerical services.Any borough resident wanting their garbage bills sent via the internet should notify the borough secretary at

shboro@ptd.net.Four of the seven council members attended last night's budget meeting. They are Council President Michael Kokinda, Jesse Walck, Michael Alabovitz, and John O'Gurek.Final adoption of the budget is planned for the regular monthly meeting of the council at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 in the borough hall.In other business, the council appointed Gail Miller as an alternate zoning officer.