Lansford Borough Council adopted a revised tentative budget for 2026, which allocates funds for an additional full-time police officer.

The $2.08 million spending plan pulls funds from part-time police funding and other areas to put another full-time officer on the streets.

The 2026 budget, which was reopened earlier this month, keeps taxes at the same rate as last year, but found additional revenues in interest, permits, charges for services and other sources.

Council along with its treasurer found errors in the original spending plan, which went in the borough’s favor and allowed council to move funds for public safety, Council Vice President Joe Genits said.

One area was an umbrella liability policy that had been listed as $25,000 a year, when it was actually $2,500, he said.

The revised spending plan also uses funds from an insurance settlement of about $170,000 to cover some of the new expenses, which Councilman Bruce Markovich cautioned against.

Markovich did not think the borough should hire another full-time officer, if it didn’t have the funds to sustain that salary beyond 2026. He said they need to make sure there is money available in 2027.

Genits said they may have additional money available from the sale of property and other areas, and Councilman Jack Soberick initially said they should concentrate on 2026 now and worry about 2027 later.

But Soberick agreed that they shouldn’t hire someone if they can’t maintain the salary going forward.

Council, which is down one person with the resignation of Council President George Gilbert, split on approving the budget 3-3.

Councilmen Joe Butrie, Genits and Soberick voted for the budget, and Council members Markovich, Gwyneth Collevechio and Michele Bartek voted against the revised budget.

Mayor Denise Leibensperger broke the tie, voting in favor of the revised spending plan.

The budget will be advertised for public review for 10 days ahead of adoption at council’s February meeting.

Vacancy

Council also accepted the resignation of Council President George Gilbert, who resigned effective Jan. 19 citing conflict on council and harassment toward himself and his family, which was affecting his “health and well-being.”

The borough will accept letters of interest for the vacant council seat through 4 p.m. on Feb. 9 and will appoint someone to fill the vacancy at its meeting Feb. 11.

Council is expected to reorganize following the appointment, which will be for two years until the next municipal election.

Genits is currently serving as acting council president. Council committees will likely be shuffled following reorganization.