Slatington Borough Council heard an in-depth financial update Monday and approved the 2026 budget for advertisement with a 1-mill tax increase.

The budget will be publicly displayed for 20 days before final adoption.

Steve Carr of Transcend Finance reported that since his firm began work with the borough on May 4, 2024, it has reconciled bank statements for 2021 through 2024 and begun the 2024 audit, expected to be completed by January.

“Karen Leach and Borough Manager Roy Hambrecht have really grown to take over the finals,” Carr said. “Your committees will now know how much money is available. Roy has a very good handle on the system.”

Carr said the firm will be available for questions.”

Police, fire reports

Police Chief William Borst reported 359 calls in October, resulting in eight arrests, 57 traffic violations and 18 parking tickets.

He said the police squad room renovation should be completed by the New Year, and both trick-or-treat night and the Halloween parade were incident-free.

Borst also requested a local site for mandatory hands-on combat training, explaining that scheduling sessions outside the area has been difficult.

Council member Ronald Kratz assured him the borough would locate a space by the next meeting.

Kratz also reminded Borst that a previously approved decibel meter had never been picked up and asked him to explore obtaining additional radar speed signs.

Fire Chief Robert Reph said the long-inactive fire siren at the station was repaired but still has a technical issue preventing activation from the 911 Center.

Hambrecht announced that the borough’s new mass notification system for emergency and non-emergency alerts is now active.

“Please sign up on our website,” he said.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure updates included milling work completed on Hill Street, Willow Avenue and Cherry Street, with paving expected to finish by Nov. 28, weather permitting.

The “100 Steps” project is awaiting PennDOT comments.

The Maple Spring Road project is complete from Route 873 to Oakhurst Drive, with milling done up to Shadow Oaks Lane.

Community matters

Mayor Jeralyn Schoch thanked the Public Works crew for installing the Hometown Hero banners ahead of Veterans Day.

Council approved St. John’s United Church of Christ’s annual Thanksgiving Day drive-thru dinner and the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber and Venture Group’s Community Tree Lighting at the Slatington Trailhead on Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m.

Council also approved installation of a public health vending machine, which will offer naloxone, first-aid and hygiene items, reproductive health kits and educational materials.

Borst and Hambrecht will identify a location with access to electricity.

Finance actions included approval of Resolution R-21-25 to dispose of old records per borough policy, and a one-year extension of the trash and recycling contract with County Waste, reflecting a 5% increase under CPI provisions.

Council also approved advertising for PennVEST financing related to a new water meter project under the Local Government Unit Debt Act.

Hambrecht reported the borough’s water test results were safe for consumption.