Lehighton residents have plenty of reason to give thanks since they aren’t likely to see an increase in their municipal tax rate next year.

At a special meeting on Tuesday, borough council reviewed the initial presentation of the 2020 budget, which painted a rather rosy picture.

Borough manager Nicole Beckett discussed the general fund and millage rates, at which time she noted next year’s spending plan reflects a balanced budget with no tax increase.

Beckett said revenues are projected to come in at $4.9 million, while expenditures are also anticipated to come in at $4.9 million.

“Everything is pretty bare bones,” Beckett said. “We do not need any money to balance this budget.”

Among the expected expenditures next year are a new public works storage building, as well as safety improvements to borough hall.

And, according to Beckett, a new borough website.

“Ours is ancient, antiquated,” she said. “And not mobile friendly.”

Several council members expressed their gratitude toward Beckett for arriving at a balanced spending plan.

“Excellent job,” exclaimed Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky.

“Very pleased,” said Councilman Ryan Saunders.

Another special meeting to discuss the budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

Special meetings geared toward the budget are also scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and Dec. 19.

Beckett said the intention is for council to agreed to advertise the budget on Dec. 9, and then to grant final adoption Dec. 19.

Last December, council adopted this year’s budget with a 1.5-mill increase.

Of that, 1 mill was allotted toward the general fund, while a half-mill was used toward the fire department equipment investment account to increase the total annual contribution of $80,000 toward fire equipment based on the fire department’s strategic plan.

That raised the millage rate to 9.5 mills, which meant that a homeowner with a home assessed at $50,000 had to pay $475, or $75 more, to the borough this year in taxes.

Beckett said at that time personnel costs represented a large portion of that budget to cover the costs of administration, public works, police, recreation and the Light & Power departments.

She said the borough’s police department budget had increased nearly $185,000, which represented 34 percent of the total general fund allocation of $1,643,068.

Additionally, Beckett said the proposed assistant borough manager position ($65,000) and public works storage building ($37,000) were allocated in that budget if council decided to proceed with those this year.