While its preliminary budget may say otherwise, Walnutport borough officials remain steadfast they won’t raise taxes come final adoption.

Borough council on Thursday unanimously agreed to advertise the 2021 preliminary budget with a half-mill increase, along with an estimated $30,000 to $40,000 rollover, to balance the budget.

A half-mill increase would raise the millage rate from 19.25 to 19.75 mills, though Councilwoman Jennifer Wentz was among several council members who stated they do not want to raise taxes next year.

Councilwoman Patrice Hunsicker noted that the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority has decided to put the proposed Northern Lehigh Community Center on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hunsicker noted that the borough’s contribution would have been $7.50 per capita, but that they’re looking to reduce that rate to somewhere between $6 and $6.50.

She said that among the three municipalities, which include Walnutport, Slatington and Washington Township, they do not want NL Rec Authority Executive Director Lindsay Taylor to leave.

Hunsicker said there have been many community events of late that have been phenomenal, and lauded Taylor for her efforts.

Taylor said the NL Rec Authority understands the challenges all three communities face.

Nonetheless, she said she believes the organization provides an essential service to the community.

“We want to stay here and continue growing,” Taylor said.

Wentz then asked council whether it was looking to raise taxes.

“I’m not in favor of raising taxes,” Wentz said. “We raised taxes last year; I’m not willing to do it this year.”

Councilman Michael Gaston said he also does not want to see the tax rate rise.

“I will not this year vote for a tax increase,” Gaston said. “The people cannot afford it.”

Council is expected to grant final adoption of the 2021 budget when it meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 17.

At that time, Gaston said he doesn’t anticipate the borough will adopt a spending plan with a tax increase.

“I don’t think there’s too many people sitting here tonight that want to raise taxes,” he said.

Last December, council on a 4-1 vote adopted the 2020 budget with a half-mill increase.

That decision raised the millage rate from 18.75 to 19.25 mills, and meant that a homeowner with a home assessed at $50,000 paid about $25 more to the borough this year in taxes.