The Jim Thorpe Borough Council voted on accepting the 2014 budget as advertised. The new budget includes a 2 mill increase over 2013.

"We tried very hard not to have to increase the tax, but we are experiencing increases in healthcare and employee costs, "Councilmen Greg Strubinger explained. " It's just like in our homes, costs are going up."For a total general funds budget of $ 1,877,916 for 2014; the taxes making up the general budget for 2014 include:• Real estate 8.4 mills• Fire tax .5 mill• Occupational tax .0055 mills• Per Capita tax $ 5• Local Services tax $25• Earned income tax 1 percent• Realty transfer tax 1 percentThere will be no increase in the sewer, water or sanitation rates for 2014.Also discussed during the council meeting was an issue regarding water meters in the borough. The Jim Thorpe Market had a problem with their water meter which resulted in a greater the 90,000 gallon meter reading. The meter was replaced and is working fine now, but the council in concerned that other customers may experience similar problems."Anyone who gets a much greater than usual reading should contact Cindy Kemetz at the water department so that we can send someone out to check on the water meter," said councilwoman Betsy Ahner.The council was also asked to review an updated version of the Transient Vendor Ordinance by Louis Hall."The ordinance is for outside vendors who come into Jim Thorpe. The new ordinance is more enforceable then the existing one," explained Hall.