Catasauqua Borough Council, at its meeting Dec. 16, approved a property tax increase of 0.5 mill by a 6-1 vote.

Councilwoman Jessica Kroope voted against the hike.

The approval brings taxes to 6.6 mills in the borough.

“The hike is needed to pay bills,” council Vice President Brian McKittrick said. “We have not raised taxes in three years. If we don’t do it now, it would be three mills next year.”

The 0.5-mill tax rate increase represents a $50 annual hike for every $100,000 of assessed property.

Council President Vince Smith thanked McKittrick for his comments, adding, “Costs go up every year, which requires a modest hike.”

The garbage pickup fee will also increase to $326 per household.

Two resolutions were passed to allow borough Manager Steven Travers to apply for grants. One grant would be for $1.2 million for items to improve Catasauqua’s wastewater treatment plant, including a replacement diesel generator and motor control upgrade.

The second grant application will be for approximately $500,000 from Commonwealth Financing Authority. If successful, funds will be used for public safety improvements to the sanitation sewer system.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel said the tree-lighting ceremony earlier this month was successful. She thanked everyone who helped make the event fun and enjoyable.

Schlegel also thanked the police department for its success in apprehending what she called a porch pirate. Porch pirate is a slang term for a criminal who steals packages from people’s porches. Officers responded to a resident’s tip and were able to promptly catch the offender.

After 53 years as a community volunteer, Schlegel informed council she is vacating her role and activities with the annual Halloween parade and trick or treat.

“This will open up for someone else to do the parade and trick or treat,” she said. “I’ve done the parade for about 30 years. It is time for someone else.”

Schlegel and council members thanked Kroope for her 12 years of dedicated, active service as a member of council. Kroope’s term ends in early January.

“It has been an honor and privilege serving the community these last 12 years, and best of luck to the new council members,” she said.

Council voted unanimously to renew the contract with Taggart Associates, which has played a principal role in obtaining grants for the Iron Works project.

Smith asked how much grant money Taggart has secured for the borough. The Taggart representative present reported the number is $2,792,126.

Travers, when asked by Kroope, reported the historic George Taylor House roof will be repaired as soon as the roof slate arrives. After that, the roof can be done in a week, he noted.

It was also reported the 501(c)3 status and bylaws for the George Taylor House committee are being finalized.

The next Catasauqua Borough Council meeting will be the reorganization meeting with the election of council president, vice president and president pro tem positions. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 6, 2020, at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.