Walnutport proposed its budget during the last board meeting of 2016.

Taxpayers are facingan increase from 18.25 to 18.75 mills as the board works to develop a "cushion" for future projects or emergency infrastructure repairs."The average homeowner will see a $10 to $50 increase," Nancy Treskot said. "Do I want to see taxes raised? No. But we have to pay salaries and benefits. Insurance deductibles are over $2,000 and that was the best we could do."Borough resident Timothy Dennis spoke against the increase saying, "We can't afford it and eventually people won't be able to live in the borough."Turk responded to Dennis stating that in his 25-year involvement with the borough he has witnessed a lot of improvements with the increased rates."This town was way behind everyone else. A lot of money had to be spent to get it the way it is now. We're a top-notch borough, we've got good streets. We needed money to do these things. When it was cheaper no one did anything, we're still not 100 percent done."According to borough grant writer, Michael Wentz, two grants have been received for a new salt storage shed and a rework of First Avenue to include a new water main, sewer line and completed street reconstruction. The repairs are an estimated $240,000 to be funded with a Community Development Block Grant,while the salt shed expense will be paid for by a partnered grant between Mount Airy Casino and the state Department of Community and Economic Development.The increased tax rate will create a $20,000 savings to be placed in the reserve fund."It's the first time in a long time they're looking at the future," said Wentz.Due to a clerical error, the board was unable to make a motion for the fiscal document. A hearing is required to be held to give taxpayers a chance to voice concerns before the budget can be adopted. A last-minute meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 29 for final approval.At the top of 2017 residents will have a new garbage and recycling pickup schedule to being Jan. 2. The board recently voted to hire Tamaqua Transfer Disposal Removal to save money and improve customer service for residents.Instead of the regular Wednesday collection time, residents will now have Monday morning trash removal with every other Monday slated for recycling pickup."They are a small contractor and they have limited trucks. It was the only way they could fit us in. Palmerton already has Wednesday," board President William Turk said.Every seat but one is up for grabs in 2017 for the borough.The appointed council members, Treskot and Aaron Kromer are up for election, along with voted-in Joan Rehrig, Turk, Patrice Hunsicker and Vice-President Harold Green reaching the end of their 4-year terms.David Stankovic is the only member who is not up for re-election.