The Summit Hill Borough Council raised its annual Local Services Tax from $10 to $52 during its monthly meeting held Tuesday night.

The increase was approved unanimously, with the council noting every other municipality - except one - presently has the $52 rate.

The tax is only applied on people who work within the borough. There is an exemption for residents whose earned income is less than $12,000. The new tax rate will take effect in 2025.

The council also agreed to change its regulations pertaining to the allocation of parking spaces for handicapped individuals and businesses.

Attorney Robert Frycklund was instructed to finalize the changes, after which they will be advertised for adoption, which might occur next month.

Regarding handicapped parking spaces, individuals will have to apply to have them renewed within 30 days before the renewal is due.

An initial application for a handicapped parking space will have a $25 nonrefundable fee. Then, a $150 charge will be incurred to cover the cost of the sign, vehicle sticker, painting lines and installation of the sign. There will also be a $35 annual renewal fee.

Individuals will have to provide a certificate signed by a physician or medical facility every two years to indicate they continue to qualify for the handicapped parking space.

Businesses requesting special parking signs will have similar fees: a fee of $25 for requested parking space, $150 for sign installation, and an additional fee - the cost of a sign - if a special sign must be purchased.

The council members said presently the rates charged for signs do not cover the cost the borough incurs.

The proposed ordinance changes were approved by a 3-2 vote of council. In favor were Council President David Wargo, Marlene Basiago and Joe Weber. Opposed were Lacey Gonzalez and Karen Ruzicka. Absent were William O’Gurek and Alan Kruslicky.

On a related matter, Karissa Smith, owner of Salon Essence on West Ludlow Street, was given permission to have new parking signs on two spaces assigned to her business. She will pay for the cost of the signs. Presently, the signs list only two days when parking is for customers only. She told the council she has expanded her customer hours.

She also suggested angle parking be installed on both sides of Ludlow Street, instead of just one side, since it is wide enough, she said. Wargo referred the suggestion to the street committee, chaired by Weber.