Walnutport residents could see an increase in the municipal tax rate next year.

After a 45-minute executive session, borough council on Thursday unanimously agreed to adopt a preliminary budget with a 1.5-mill increase, and to advertise the preliminary budget.

If approved, that would raise the millage rate from 20.25 mills to 21.75 mills.

Councilwoman Jen Wentz said the average homeowner who lives in the borough would pay an extra $66 in municipal taxes next year.

Wentz attributed it to contractual, insurance, and pension increases.

However, council stressed that the budget is only preliminary at this time, and could change before final adoption occurs.

Council expects to grant final adoption of the 2026 budget when it meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 11.

In December, council unanimously adopted this year’s budget with no tax increase, which left the millage rate at 20.25 mills.

Also at that time, council agreed to transfer the remaining balance of American Rescue Funds in the amount of $27,292 to the general fund to offset police overtime.

After that meeting, Wentz said the amount of overtime was $66,000.

In November 2024, council advertised this year’s spending plan with a half-mill increase. That would have raised the millage rate from 20.25 to 20.75 mills.