SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Taxes are not going up in Schuylkill Haven Borough in 2013.
The borough council passed its $16,087,260 budget unanimously Wednesday. That reflects an increase over the 2012 budget of $13,888,656. The millage rate will remain at 4.75 mills. The council approved the preliminary budget last month.
Prior to the start of the meeting, council President Marlin Berger Jr. asked everyone to pause for a moment to remember the 20 children and six adults killed Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
In other business, the council filled spots on various boards. Those appointed were Kim Roeder to the recreation board until Jan. 1, 2017; Paul Olson to the vacancy board until Jan. 1, 2014; Paul "Pete" Zinkus to the Housing Board of Appeals until Jan. 1, 2017; and John C. Dudley to the municipal authority until Jan. 1, 2017.
Two vacancies still remain on the recreation board. For more information, call the borough office at 570-385-2841.
Brian Murray was appointed as highway foreman due to the impending retirement of Rick Montag this month. Montag has served on the Streets Department for more than 30 years. Murray was already employed by the borough.
Also, the council approved the names for the fire police roster for 2013.
To get a better interest rate on borough accounts, the council approved transferring accounts to Riverview National Bank.
Borough Manager Scott Graver said banks within and nearby the borough were solicited for quotes. Three quotes were received, he said. The effective date would be determined by the treasurer as the schedule permits, council member Jerry Bowman said. One account will remain at Penn National Bank in the borough, he said, adding the borough will probably use the Riverview National Bank in Cressona.
Graver said he had discussions with Bert Evans, owner of Evans Delivery Co., regarding artists from the Walk In Art Center and projects for the downtown district. Graver suggested decorating parking meters or electric boxes. Final decisions have not been made, he said.
"Nothing is in stone," he said
Graver said a Walk In Art Center consultant is scheduled to be on the agenda for the January meeting.
"I think it will be nice for the town if we do come up with a conceptual idea and present it to council," Graver said.