Tamaqua residents will be seeing an increase in their next sewage bill. Councilman Brian Connely asked council to approve a $25 per quarter increase beginning with the next new billing cycle.

“It has been about four years since we’ve increased it,” explained Connely, adding that the increase is due to necessary repairs to the original system which was installed in 1962.

“The system is at the point where it needs a major overhaul and update. We’ve been trying to piece this together for the past few years. We’re at the point where we can no longer comply with DEP regulations.”

He talked through one of the potential loan scenarios, which will need to be in the neighborhood of $10 million.

“A PENNVEST type loan, with an interest rate of 1.75%, brings us to an annual debt service of about $875,000.”

Connely said the borough authority has put the borough in a “good financial position” to minimize the increase but said the borough is out of other options.

Council also moved forward with advertising a proposed change to the Historic District ordinance, which pertains specifically to nonprofit emergency service organizations and their signs. The ad hoc committee appointed at last month’s meeting to look into the matter said that nothing else will change as far as the ordinance is concerned, and any nonprofit emergency service organization will still need to follow all appropriate permitting procedures and approvals.

In other business, council approved the movement of a handicap parking space from 609 Arlington St. to 632 E. Broad St. They also approved waivers and gave conditional approval for improvements at the new Railroad Street parking lot.

Council appointed Brian Klusman to the planning commission.

Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt reminded residents that the borough will be collecting Christmas trees on the regular garbage days, weather permitting. Trees are recycled and must be free of any decoration before they are put out. He also reminded residents that they have 24 hours after a snowstorm to clear their sidewalks and there must be a 3-foot-wide path cleared.

Council held an executive session for personnel and legal matters.