Lehighton residents will not see an increase in their municipal tax rates next year.

At a special meeting on Thursday, borough council on a 6-0 vote adopted the 2024 budget with no millage increase.

Councilman Darryl Arner was absent.

That will leave the millage rate at 10 mills.

Earlier this month, borough Manager Dane DeWire told council that the borough still faced a $388,000 deficit.

At that time, DeWire shared five possible scenarios with council.

Ultimately, council settled on the option with no tax increase, which includes the garbage rate to double from $25 to $50 a month, an increase in the sewer collection up to 5%, and the transfer of $1.15 million from the borough’s Light & Power Department.

The 2023 budget had no tax increase as well.

Public Works truck

Also on Thursday, council agreed to buy a new 2024 truck for the borough’s Public Works Department.

The truck will cost $51,700, and be purchased from Lehighton Ford.

It will be financed as part of a three-year loan term through Community First National Bank at an interest rate of 5.99%.

The truck will be upfitted with a straight plow from Kovatch.

The borough hopes to pay the truck off before the end of the 2024 calendar year.