Summit Hill’s borough work force has two words to say about the predicted major snowstorm for Thursday.

“We’re ready.”

During a meeting of the borough council on Tuesday, it was reported that work leader Ronald Yuricheck got all equipment “ready for the storm.”

Mike Alabovitz, chairman of the street committee, said, “There are no issues with equipment at this point.”

The borough has two full-time borough employees but calls part-time workers out for plowing and other essential services.

As of Tuesday night, the National Weather Service was predicting 4-7 inches of snow for the Summit Hill area as well as some freezing rain.

The Weather Service says driving conditions could be impacted beginning Thursday morning and continuing into Friday morning.

Budget

The council also gave final approval to the 2023 budget. There is no real estate tax increase and garbage rates will remain the same.

The budget, which is balanced at $1,568,987, is based on 18.5 mills. This is the fourth year the borough hasn’t had to raise taxes.

Garbage rates are $60 per quarter.

Garbage pick-up day will continue to be on Mondays. The council said even though Christmas and New Year’s Day are on a Sunday, pickup will be on the Monday-after as scheduled.

Other business

• Council agreed to begin the process of hiring a full-time police officer, expanding the size of the force to six members. It’s not known when the additional officer will be hired, but the budget is drawn-up to include the new position.

• Approved a new, four-year contract with the two borough employees who are represented by the Teamsters Union Local 773. The contract must still be ratified by the union.

Council vice president Bill O’Gurek said, “I think we got an agreement that’s fair for the workers and the borough.”

• Councilman David Wargo said the Economic Development Committee is looking to update the borough’s solicitor ordinance. He said it hasn’t been updated since 1975.

He said the Economic Development Committee will continue meeting at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every-other month starting in January.

• A letter was received from Gregory Danchak Jr. requesting the borough pay $950 for plumbing invoices due to sewage issues on his property. The council said the issue is with the Water Authority and agreed to forward the letter to the authority.

• The council agreed to look into a new phone system that is cloud-based. Kira Steber, secretary-treasurer, said a proposal was received from Ironton Global to upgrade the borough and police department phone system.

• A letter of resignation was accepted from William Serfass, a member of the Zoning Hearing Board. He has a year left on his term but is resigning because of health complications. The borough will send him a letter thanking him for his years of service.

The council said it will seek letters of interest from residents to fill two seats on the zoning hearing board.

The council also will advertise for individuals to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission and Appeals Board.

• Councilman Joseph Weber was reappointed to represent the borough on the Carbon County Tax Collection Committee. Council President Michael Kokinda was named the alternate delegate.

• The council agreed to continue meeting at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month during 2023 except in July, when the meeting will be moved to the third Monday, July 17.