MINERSVILLE - The borough council approved a tentative 2013 budget Tuesday night that holds the line on taxes.
Borough Manager Joseph Bass said the millage rate will remain at 15.
Bass also said the budget includes some new line items, including a matching a grant, which the borough will provide, for the planning commission to do a comprehensive plan. A fund is being set up for the computer software and it will include the codification of ordinances, bringing the ordinances up to date.
There is still an unappropriated balance of $27,475, he said.
The tentative budget is on public display at borough hall. Any changes will be made at the December meeting.
In other business, the council gave permission for Bass and police Chief Michael Combs to take any action necessary to remove a large tree that's falling in the 400 block of Lewis Street.
Combs said that while officials only found out about the tree a couple hours prior to the meeting, it is a major hazard. He said it is being held up only by its branches and is too large for borough workers to handle.
Combs said he was trying to contact property owners whose yards are affected by the tree to determine if they have homeowners' insurance to cover its removal. However he said some properties are vacant and he had not yet made contacts.
Council President Helen Droskinis said the deadline for the snow shovel project is Friday. Anyone who needs assistance in shoveling snow should call the borough office at 570-544-2149 to register.