Tamaqua Borough Council voted to adopt a preliminary budget for 2021, that includes no tax increase for residents, and also a $91,985 deficit in the general fund.

“Using a status quo approach, we’re still in the whole,” said borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt.

Earlier this year, Councilman Brian Connely had asked council to consider adding a dedicated tax for the fire department, citing an inability to conduct their normal fundraising efforts due to the pandemic.

All four of the borough’s fire departments had to cancel their annual block parties this past summer, and have been unable to hold other large fundraising events.

Council did not include the request in the proposed budget.

Connely made his request again. He noted that dedicating a tax to the fire department would free up the annual contribution of $35,000 that the borough has included in the general fund for the fire companies.

Council President David Mace also noted that there are additional costs to the department this year, as they are required to purchase more supplies to safely operate during the pandemic.

Connely was the only council member to vote against the proposed budget.

There is still time to change the budget before it is finally adopted next month, but it would possibly require readvertising it and a special meeting to approve it.

Other matters

• Council approved the request by Safer Streets to place the annual giving tree in Depot Square park. This annual event provides hats, mittens and scarves to those in the community who can use them.

• Approved a waiver of a $25 permit fee for the American Hose fire company.

• Approved the reappointments of Christine Zizelmann to the board of health, Karl Smulligan to the zoning hearing board, Bill Harleman and Dale Freudenberger to the HARC, Tim Stahl to the planning commission, and Richard Hadesty to the CRIZ and borough authority. All reappointments were made at the request of the various boards and authorities.

• Awarded a cleaning services contract to Mystic Cleaning services of Palmerton in the amount of $750 per month for the cleaning of the borough office buildings, including the magistrate’s office.

• Approved an ordinance prohibiting the parking on the south side of Jerome Street between Nescopec and Lincoln streets.