Hellertown Borough Council has approved the 2015 preliminary budget.

Council unanimously approved the budget at its Nov. 3 meeting. The budget includes a zero percent tax increase. According to borough Manager Cathy Hartranft, the budget includes roughly $4,183,000 in revenue and more than $4,182,000 in expenses.

"The 2015 budget maintains the tax rate at 20.25 mills (18.75 general fund and 1.5 fire appropriations)," Hartranft said.

The General Fund budget includes a $200,000 transfer of accumulated fund balance to the capital budget to fund 2015 and future capital improvements such as a street sweeper and additional pavilion at the Hellertown Pool.

"A small increase – 1.76 percent in revenue – is expected, while expenses are expected to increase 8.13 percent," Hartranft added.

Borough Council President Tom Rieger spoke in favor of the proposed budget.

"I think that the proposed preliminary budget continues to address community needs while being mindful of the tax base," he said. "Over the past few years Hellertown has invested a lot back within the community, which shows in our public infrastructure. We are now being proactive rather than reactionary, which will benefit the entire community."

A copy of the preliminary budget is available for public review on the borough website and at the borough municipal building, 685 Main St., Hellertown.

Council will vote on the final budget at the Dec. 1 meeting at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

In other business, council voted 7-0 to appoint Councilman Joe Pampanin as vice president of council. Pampanin will replace John Bate who announced he will be resigning from the vice president position.