As the motion to adopt the proposed 2017 Slatington borough budget was proposed during the monthly meeting discussion became heated between council members.

Residents of the municipality will not see an increase in the tax rate, leaving the millage at last year's 5.25 mills with only a handful of changes.The budget's figures are estimated at $4,765,565 in revenues and $4,755,124 in expenditures leaving an anticipated surplus of $10,441 for the borough.A savings of 40 percent will be passed on to utility bill payers for garbage removal as the rate is lowered from $66 to $40 every three months.The water rate will drop from $93 to $90 for the upcoming year.Two administrative positions, a code enforcement officer and the borough secretary, will be eliminated from the municipality.Police Chief David Rachman will receive a 3 percent raise for the 2017 fiscal year, raising his rate to $77,422 before the 5 percent retirement deduction.A point of contention came just before the budget was adopted with the biggest expenditure addition coming from the hiring of the new borough manager. During a special meeting earlier in the month the board voted to hire Freemansburg Borough Manager Judith Danko to work in the same position for a salary of $90,000, plus a $40,000 benefits package to begin in January.Councilman Bryon Reed maintained his opposition to filling the position, citing the extra expense as the reason for the "tight budget.""You're mad you didn't have the votes," said Councilman Jon Rinker. "For years you've manipulated things, and that's why we're trying to get a borough manager.""That's why the budget's tight," Reed said."We hired a code enforcement officer. We are giving extra hours to Duane (Dellecker, borough secretary). He's part-time and getting full-time benefits," Reed said."Because he has helped us out as much as he did, it was so he wouldn't be blindsided," said Councilman David Schnaars.The discussion continued with Rinker stressing the need for the new hire."How can we go any farther without a manager? That's why we're in this mess. The departments don't have a supervisor to oversee them," he said."We've done fine without one," Reed said."No we didn't. You just don't want a manager," Rinker said."You're running in a hole because you want a manager," Reed said.Councilman Joe Wechsler intervened, suggesting the board move forward with the budget, "Let's see what we can do to solve the problem."Council President Gwyneth Jones and Reed voted against the adoption of the proposed document with council members Rinker, Wechsler, Michael Brogan and David Schnaars voting for to pass the budget.Councilman Robert Steets submitted a letter of resignation before the meeting. Steets stated he was moving from the borough, surrendering his seat on council. Anyone interested in the appointed position may submit a letter of interest to borough council.