During the Dec. 10 Alburtis Borough Council meeting, President Steve Hill announced the budget for 2015 includes no tax increase, no increase in sewer and water fees and a decrease of $10 in garbage fees for 2015.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer said the Alburtis Christmas Festival was a success and thanked everyone who helped.

The raffle held at the fire company, with many donated prizes, raised $1,515, an increase of $300 over last year, plus another $300 was raised in the kitchen selling food.

Council adopted two resolutions. Resolution No. 2014-14 appointing France, Anderson and Basile, P. C. the borough's independent auditor for 2015 and Resolution No. 2014-15 to appoint Pat Vassilaros as deputy tax collector at the request of Tax Collector Samantha Trexler.

At the Nov. 12 council meeting, Kathee Rhode, of Lower Macungie Library, requested the borough increase its donation from $10,000 to $12,000 in 2015. Councilpersons Margaret McCormack, David Lehr and Steve Hill were willing to give them the increase. Sherryann Oels, John Aleszczyk, Cathy Moyer and Kathleen Raines were in favor of increasing the donation to $11,000.

Council passed a motion to give $11,000 to the Lower Macungie Township Library on a vote of 4-3.

Council approved the police report, the minutes of the Nov. 14 meeting, the bills for payment and a list showing the meeting dates for 2015.

The borough has purchased a new dump truck and snow blower. Secretary Sharon Trexler reported a red Ford dump truck was purchased from Dick Milham at a cost of $31,067, not including the dump body. A motion to purchase a Cub Cadet snow blower from Tractor Supply costing under $800 failed with two voting for the purchase and five against because it was not a commercial snow blower. Another motion was made and passed to purchase an Ariens commercial snow thrower for $1,223.20.

Council decided no snow emergency will be called this winter unless six inches or more of snow is predicted.

Oels informed council residents will not be allowed to park on the front lot of the community center during a snow emergency and "No Parking" signs will be displayed.

During a snow emergency, residents will be allowed to park at the pool parking lot but cars must be removed within 24 hours after the emergency has ended. As soon as the emergency is over, all vehicles remaining within that timeframe will be removed at the owner's expense.

An executive session was called 7:30 p.m. to discuss labor relations, an employment matter and possible litigation. The regular meeting resumed 8:50 p.m.

To change the borough's health insurance to Capital Blue Cross, a motion was passed to approve a letter from Capital Blue Cross outlining information about the insurance and to approve the application for the Capital Blue Cross service agreement.

Also approved was the TPA acknowledgement of the service agreement with Equinox Agency and the application for group benefits.