On Monday, Dec. 3, Bath borough officials announced that the preliminary budget projects a 1-mill tax increase to pay for borough street and road projects.

"No one wants to do that [raise taxes], but the streets are in need of repairs," said borough President Robert Fields. He added, the money is strictly to be used to fix streets.

Council was to have voted whether to approve the budget at a special meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12.

In other business, as council began to make preparations for the 2013 budget, the Bath Fire Department and Bath Business and Community Partnership representatives suggested the borough continue funding these programs.

After fire department Chief Ed Demchak presented his monthly report to borough officials, he suggested an increase be made to the $5,000 funds already allocated to the Bath Fire Department for next year's budget.

Demchak noted the new EMS service is paid by the fire department. He said the expense "hits our pockets."

"I wanted to know about the fire department's good stewardship," Councilwoman Jennifer George said. Demchak suggested George attend on of the fire department meetings.

Fields commented his last experience attending a fire department meeting was embarrassing.

"I was told, you gotta leave. This is a private meeting," he said.

The fire chief explained the public is welcome to ask questions. However, the department maintains the right to hold meetings in private. A citizen interested in becoming a member needs to fill out an application with a $13 fee.

Borough members questioned whether the fire department answers to the borough since the fire chief provides a monthly report to council.

"Yes," Demchak responded, "but the fire department holds the right to hold their meetings in private."

The Bath Business and Community Partnership (BBCP) encouraged borough officials to continue its participation in the BBCP program. The Borough pays a $10,000 annual fee.

"The money earned goes back to the borough" for improvements, said representative Mary Kositz. Between 2011 and 2012, six new businesses opened with the assistance of BBCP.

Programs such as the farmers market allow residents to buy fresh, local produce.

BBCP coordinates volunteers who provide hours of work around the borough.

Councilwoman Carol Bear-Heckman commented that BBCP is accountable to the council and open to the public.