Coaldale faces a big increase in expenses for billing software.

Secretary Suzanne Whildin told council that the fees for a billing service the borough uses will increase exponentially.

The borough pays $98 each month for MuniBilling utility billing software. The company plans to enact a mandatory 3-year subscription beginning in April, Whildin said.

At that point, she said, fees will be $500 per month.

“Come January, it will go to $875 a month, and in the third year, it will be $1,000 a month for their subscription,” she said. “If we choose to operate on a 1-year subscription, it goes right to the $1,000 (per month).”

The borough’s sewer and water authorities also use MuniBilling, Whildin said.

Council plans to schedule a demonstration with another municipal billing software company to hear services and prices.

The borough will have two new staff members.

During Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting, council voted unanimously to hire Kevin Soberick as a part-time police officer. Soberick is a retired police chief from Salisbury Township and Lansford resident.

Members also appointed Jill Figner to the position of borough secretary. All voted in favor of her hiring, except for Councilman Wayne Figner, who abstained.

During discussion, members said that Jill Figner is a retired schoolteacher and also worked as a front end manager for Redner’s Markets.

“She’s a smart cookie,” council Vice President Claire Remington said.

Jill Figner will replace Beth Shreffler, whose resignation was approved Tuesday.

A motion to hire a full-time employee for the borough’s Streets Department was tabled.