Palmerton remains on track to adopt next year’s budget with a 1-mill increase in the municipal tax rate.

Borough council on a 6-0 vote Thursday approved the first reading and authorized advertisement of ordinance for tax millage, and resolution setting the 2021 fee schedule.

Councilman Andrew Hollywood abstained from all three votes.

Borough Manager Donna McGarry noted that council is scheduled to grant final adoption of the 2021 budget when it meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 17.

Councilman Kris Hoffner thanked McGarry for the “fine job she did,” explaining in detail the plans for next year’s spending plan.

Likewise, Councilwoman Holly Hausman Sell also complimented McGarry for seeking out any COVID-19 grant relief.

Last month, council on a 6-0 vote tentatively adopted the 2021 budget with a 1-mill increase.

If council were to adopt next year’s spending plan with a 1-mill increase, it would raise the millage rate from 11.77 to 12.77 mills.

That would mean the average homeowner would see an increase of about $4 to $6 per month, McGarry said.

No increases are planned for water, sewer or trash rates.

McGarry said the borough didn’t hire summer workers, did cut administrative hours, and some overtime was reduced in the Public Works Department.

She said a 1-mill increase would help offset several expenditures, such as the impending demolition of 509-511 Lehigh Ave., though she added that could be covered if a grant for remediation of blighted properties comes through. In the event the grant doesn’t come through, McGarry said the borough still has funds to pay for it.

Additionally, McGarry said the increase would help pay for Tasers for the police department.

The borough is looking at increasing its moving permit, zoning hearing board, street opening permits and health inspection fees to bring its rates more in line with that of neighboring municipalities.

Also on Thursday, council adopted a resolution for an emergency management funding application.