Bowmanstown residents won’t see a rise in their municipal tax rates next year.

On a narrow 3-2 margin, borough council on Tuesday granted final adoption of the 2023 budget.

Councilmen Rob Moyer and William Ravert, along with council President Pam Leiby voted in favor of next year’s spending plan. Councilman Darren Thomas and Councilwoman Kara Scott were opposed.

Councilwomen Candace Rodrigues and Donna Winter were absent.

Moyer thanked all those who helped put the spending plan together.

Mayor Zach Snyder lauded council for once again approving a budget with no tax increase.

“I applaud council,” Snyder said. “I just know it’s jobs well done.”

After the meeting, Scott explained the reason she voted down the budget is “twofold.”

“This is the second year we have pulled from our general reserves to balance the budget,” Scott said. “Also, we have not appropriately budgeted increases for our staff.

“They are an invaluable resource for our community, and I confidently believe our residents would agree. “Our employee increases should commiserate with inflation and the COLA increase, but we have prioritized other things that aren’t necessary for a small community with a small tax base.”

Next year’s budget leaves the borough’s millage rate at 13.005 mills.