Palmerton residents are poised to see an increase in their municipal taxes next year.

Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said at Thursday’s borough council meeting that the final 2024 draft general fund, recreation fund, and debt reduction fund millages will remain the same.

However, Canfield noted that next year’s spending plan calls for the establishment of a fire fund, which will increase the borough’s overall millage rate by 1.2 mills.

If approved, that would up the millage rate from 13.77 to 14.97 mills.

Also, Canfield said that a resolution for the borough’s water rate has a 25% increase across the board for every meter.

Rates become effective Jan. 1, 2024, reflecting on the first quarter bill in April.

She said that just like everyone else, “our costs are going up (and) we have to account for it.”

Rates become effective Jan. 1, 2024, reflecting on the first quarter bill in April.

Councilman Kris Hoffner praised Canfield for working through her first budget with the borough, and noted how difficult that must have been.

“Thank you for your work,” Hoffner said.

Canfield said she anticipates authorization to advertise the budget at council’s meeting on Dec. 7, with final budget adoption expected at its Dec. 21 meeting.

Borough council plans to grant final adoption to the 2024 budget next month.

After last month’s meeting, Canfield noted that the borough provides funds within the general fund for fire company expenses, and added that a fire fund would separate this money and give it a dedicated purpose.

In December, council on a 6-0 vote adopted this year’s budget with no tax increase.

That left the millage rate at 13.77 mills.