Palmerton residents are likely to see a municipal tax increase next year.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Thursday tentatively adopted the 2021 budget with a 1-mill increase. Councilman Kris Hoffner was absent.

If council were to adopt next year’s spending plan with a 1-mill increase, it would raise the millage rate from 11.77 to 12.77 mills.

That would mean the average homeowner would see an increase of about $4 to $6 per month, according to borough Manager Donna McGarry.

However, McGarry said there will be no increases for water, sewer or trash rates.

McGarry noted that the borough didn’t hire summer workers, did cut administrative hours, and some overtime was reduced in the Public Works Department.

She said a 1-mill increase would help offset several expenditures, such as the impending demolition of 509-511 Lehigh Ave., though she added that could be covered if a grant for remediation of blighted properties comes through. In the event the grant doesn’t come through, McGarry said the borough still has funds to pay for it.

Additionally, she said the increase would help pay for Tasers for the police department.

Also, McGarry said the borough would look to increase its moving permit, zoning hearing board, street opening permits and health inspection fees to bring its rates more in line with that of neighboring municipalities.

“We’ve been charging the same fees for so long,” McGarry said.

Council is expected to grant the budget’s final adoption on Dec. 17.

In December, council adopted this year’s budget with no millage increase.