Slatington adopted its preliminary 2015 budget at a special meeting Nov. 24, but not without some intense discussions, in particular about the borough's soon-to-be-defunct sewer authority and its commitment toward establishing a regional recreation authority with Walnutport and Washington Township.

In regard to the borough's unbalanced sewer budget, council members questioned why so much money had been requested by the sewer authority, including an additional $2,000 this year, when the group's plan is to soon disband.They decided to investigate further if the group truly needs so large an amount.As per the general budget, council members were pleased to note it is definitely balanced, in the black, this year.However one item, the nearly $13,000 budgeted for the formation of a regional recreation organization with Walnutport and Washington Township, did lead to some in-depth questions and answers.In regard to the proposed Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, Councilman Jon Rinker said, "Let me just say this about that $3 a head tax for the recreational thing. I really feel like, if we do this and people have to pay the $3 a head tax, they're going to be up in arms when they find out they have to pay to take kids to do the activities there (at the community center) yet on top of it all.""This is not any additional tax," clarified Councilman Dave Schnaars. "This is included right in our regular budget. It's not like we're raising additional taxes or anything."Vice President Gwyneth Neff said, "(And) it's not just the community center, Jon. Maybe the first initial (thing) is going to be to get the community center up and running, (but) then the second year might be to get something done over at Walnutport and the third year might be to go do something out at Eagle's Nest (in Washington Township). It's the whole area.""So it wouldn't just be concentrated 100 percent on the community center?" Councilman Bryon Reed asked."No," Schnaars said.Reed explained that, along with Rinker, he had not been aware that the recreation authority would encompass other local recreational needs and goals outside of just the community center.Schnaars, as Slatington's elected representative to the joint municipal meetings, held since October 2013, acknowledged it has been difficult sometimes to communicate to other council members all of the intricacies discussed at those meetings.Rinker asked why Slatington does not just get its own recreation grant writer and asked where the money will come from to continue running the authority."Strength is in numbers," Neff said. "So when you have the three (municipalities) come together ... that's how you're going to get the (big grant) money. Plus, (the authority) is going to be self-generating (from its future programs).""We've always talked about, 'What can we do to make this area more attractive?'" Schnaars said.Council said the public is encouraged to attend the hearing at 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 8 to ask questions and make comments about the proposed regional recreation authority.It also said the budget is up for adoption at that meeting and is currently available for viewing at the borough hall.