Bowmanstown Borough Council moved closer to finalizing its 2026 budget last week, reporting only modest changes for the coming year and hoping to keep taxes level.

The biggest adjustment in the proposed spending plan is a $2,404.32 increase in employee health care costs, which has already been factored into the draft budget.

Council members said that unless unforeseen expenses arise, the borough should be able to adopt the budget without raising taxes.

As part of routine budget planning, council also approved pouring a concrete pad next to the salt shed at a cost of $500 to $1,000, though that estimate may need to be revised.

Council Vice President Darren Thomas confirmed the borough has sufficient salt reserves for the winter, with the option to revisit the issue in December.

Council will continue budget discussions in the coming weeks before adopting the 2026 spending plan.

Council additionally heard a quote for $8,105 from Envirep to replace the borough’s Verbatim dialer with a web-based OmniSite Crystal Ball monitoring system. The upgrade is under review as council weighs capital needs alongside routine expenses.

New mayor

While most of the meeting centered on budget considerations, council also noted an upcoming leadership change. Sean McDermott, who received 145 votes on Election Day, will begin his term as mayor in 2026, succeeding current Mayor Zach Snyder.

Snyder, who has served since 2018, said he is working to ensure a smooth transition.

“The new mayor is ready and raring to go,” he said.

In public comment, resident Phyllis Kreiss questioned whether the borough office can function effectively with just one employee, Secretary Tracy Csrenko. Snyder responded that improved systems and access to temporary services help keep the workload manageable.

Other business

Other business included:

• Council advising resident Antoinette Mullen to file a civil complaint regarding a recurring issue with a neighbor’s cat.

• Announced that leaf collection continues through Nov. 20, with no reported problems so far.

• Ordinance 2025-02, prohibiting loitering on business and public property, has been cleared by the solicitor and advertised.

• Discussion of the refurbished bell removed from the former Emmanuel Church of Christ. Rory Koons is refurbishing the bell as it currently remains in the borough garage. The borough is considering placing it in a small display steeple near Oliver Solt Park.

• Concerns raised by Councilman Rob Moyer about trailers parked long-term at the former Prince Manufacturing site on Lehigh Street.

• Continued review of property issues at 92 Fireline Road, as well as trenches dug along Cedar Street, both of which are expected to return to council’s December agenda.