Walnutport residents will have to fork over more money for their municipal taxes next year.

That’s after borough council on a 6-1 vote Thursday adopted the 2026 budget with a 1.5-mill increase.

Councilwoman Patrice Hunsicker cast the sole vote in opposition.

The decision by borough council will raise the millage rate from 20.25 mills to 21.75 mills.

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

Wentz chalked the raise in the municipal tax rate up to increases in health care, pension and wages.

Before the vote, council President Michael Gaston asked Wentz if the budget includes funds for Green Street. Wentz replied that it did not.

Of the tax increase, Gaston stressed the borough is far from the only local municipality in this situation.

“It’s not only us,” Gaston said.

Wentz noted that this is only the second time the borough has raised taxes since 2018.

Gaston said he was empathetic, as he for one, doesn’t want to pay more in taxes.

“It is unfortunate,” he said. “We’re not the only municipality; it is everywhere.”

Last 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.