Emmaus Borough Council is working hard to balance an annual budget while addressing major concerns of various department heads.

Emmaus Fire Department Chief Jim Reiss said it has been a "tough year" for the department referring to several fires in the borough throughout 2013. The EFD's main priorities pertaining to the budget are replacing two aging vehicles, a fire police truck and a pick-up truck, updating computers and purchasing new self-contained breathing apparatus masks.

Overtime was reported as a concern for the Emmaus Police Department as $170,000 was spent while the budget called for between $110,000 and $135,000.

The Emmaus Ambulance Corps is reportedly in need of a new HVAC system, computer servers, radios, a replacement of the aging telephone system and a roof.

The Emmaus Library has seen a reduction in funding but Library Director Frances Larash told council cardholders have remained steady around 6,000. Larash said the library is operating on a "bare-bones budget" while experiencing rises in the cost of material and supplies for additional digital services. The library recently installed new lighting with the help of a grant and Larash said the library staff hopes to experience cost savings through this green initiative.

Emmaus Borough Council passed an ordinance increasing the size of the Special Entertainment Commission at the Nov. 4 meeting. There will now be nine members with as many as two from outside the borough.

The ordinance also includes a requirement for bylaws for the Special Entertainment Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Arts Commission. Council member Mike Waddell said the Arts Commission already has an enacted set of bylaws.

Council also passed an ordinance removing two handicap parking signs in the borough. A sign in the 200 block of North Street and another in the 200 block of South Fifth Street will be removed. The people needing the handicap accessible parking do not live at the locations anymore.

Emmaus resident Stacey Spehalski was appointed as a volunteer with the Emmaus Ambulance Corps.

Emmaus is currently looking for two volunteers to serve on the joint Environmental Advisory Council formed with Upper Milford. Interested applicants can inquire at Borough Hall.