Nesquehoning residents should pay the same in real estate taxes in 2023.

On Wednesday, borough council approved a preliminary budget, which calls for the millage rate to remain 19.3.

One mill represents approximately $63,212.

Councilwoman Fran Heaney, chair of the budget committee, said that the borough’s general fund is healthy.

The $1,819,827.78 budget allows for a little cushion in the event something unexpected happens.

The borough will finalize the budget at its December meeting.

Sanitation

On the sanitation side, council voted to adopt the 2023 sanitation budget, which calls for resident bills to remain the same as this year.

The $591,194.13 budget is expected to leave $129,800 by the end of the year.

Council said that this final balance will help them when it comes to the next sanitation contract because costs for garbage removal have skyrocketed since the last contract was signed.

Sewer

Council also adopted the 2023 sewer budget, which ends with a $67,000 deficit.

The income expected will be $654,727.66 and expenses total $721,843.42.

Councilwoman Mary Fox said that the deficit will be covered by the sewer reserve fund.

Health insurance

The borough will hold a special meeting at 4:45 p.m. on Nov. 29 to adopt the employee health insurance. Council members took no action on the matter, saying that they wanted to have more discussion on the plan information they received.

The renewal for health insurance must be completed by Dec. 1.