The borough of Bath 2014 preliminary budget was on the Nov. 4 meeting agenda.

Council tabled further budget discussions in order to first discuss in executive session personnel matters which will directly impact the budget. Council resumed open discussion of the preliminary budget once the executive session had concluded.

Council anticipates no real estate tax increase for 2014.

The proposed budget includes an allocation of $405,983.38 for the Colonial Regional Police Department. This includes an allocation for an additional officer, bringing the total number of officers to 25.

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In other business, a Bath Lions youth football representative commented the organization has experienced a challenging year, financially.

The Bath Lions organization owes $1,121.52 to the borough for a past-due electric bill.

In an attempt to improve its relationship with the borough, a $500 check was presented to borough Manager Thomas Petrucci.

Also at the meeting, council reviewed the current borough sign ordinance.

Petrucci told Council President Robert Fields the majority of citizens are not in compliance with the ordinance. According to Petrucci, a major issue with the sign ordinance involves illuminated, open signs.

Councilwoman Jennifer George suggested creating a special exception to businesses located on a street corner. The proposed amendment to the ordinance would allow a business located on a corner that faces two different directions to place another sign on the opposite side of the street.

Another amendment suggested by Councilman John Kearns would allow a business to place an illuminated sign that does not continually flash.

Solicitor Blake Marles advised council the amendments would have to go before the planning commission after which, the amendment would have to be advertised and approved at a later council meeting. The process would take about three months, Marles said.

Council agreed to pursue both changes to the ordinance. In the interim, sign enforcement will continue. Residents will receive a letter from the borough regarding the ordinance.

Other items include:

· Council also approved Engle-Hambright and Davies Inc. to act as a broker for the borough and negotiate a new contract for 2014 for the borough's AmeriHealth workers' compensation insurance policy for a lower premium rate.

· Mayor Donald Wunderler announced the borough's Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place 5 p.m. Dec. 1.

· Wunderler said the ceremony will include Rev. Jay Wetzel acting as master of the ceremony and the opening invocation delivered by the Rev. Monsignor Francis Nave. Fields, Petrucci and state Rep. Marcia Hahn, R-138th, will attend the tree lighting ceremony.