At the Dec. 19, 2024, Northampton Borough Council meeting, council approved the 2025 borough budget. The budget contains a 1.5-mill tax hike.

Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash said the office team and others put in a lot of hard work and congratulated their efforts in developing what he called a “bare-bones budget.” He noted inflation and other challenges of increased costs will continue to pressure the budget in the future.

On another matter, Pristash thanked Northampton Borough residents for placing beautiful lights at their homes and creating a warm, holiday atmosphere.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic was reappointed to the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority board. The term length is for five years, ending Dec. 31, 2029. Council reappointed Irene Urban to the Northampton Borough Board of Health for another five-year term that ends Dec. 31, 2029. David Stubits was approved for another four-year term to Northampton Borough Planning Commission until Dec. 31, 2028.

The borough and Northampton Banquet and Event Center met, discussed and approved a five-year lease agreement that ends Dec. 31, 2029.

Councilman Kenneth Hall reported the borough received the final 2023 surplus distribution from the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative in the amount of $139,040.59. Hall also provided council with the Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum trust annual report. The report is available for review at the borough office.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said the recreation center received two new stair climbers to replace older pieces of equipment. One stair climber was donated by Northampton Borough Fire Department.

Councilman Trevor Stone reported the rental registration compliance rate is now at 98.32%. He added it is the responsibility of the homeowner to remove snow from their sidewalks during the winter months. The snow must be removed within 24 hours after the snow or ice storm stops.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond noted all fire hydrants on sidewalks must be cleared from snow and ice 30 inches around. She thanked the fire department for the recent, successful Santa Run.

Glassic said a representative from Musson Brothers will be visiting the borough Jan. 7 to discuss the Canal Street relining project. This project is anticipated to take until at least December 2025 to complete.

In his remarks, Councilman Ronald Knopf asked police Chief Bryan Kadingo to look into parking issues on Newport Avenue. Knopf noted cars are parking too close to intersections, creating a safety issue. Kadingo said he will look into the matter.

Assistant Borough Manager Jerry Serensits reported a contingent from the People’s Republic of China recently visited the Atlas museum.

The next borough council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 2. It is a reorganization meeting, followed by a regular council meeting, at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. The meeting is also viewable on YouTube. Visit northamptonboro.com to get a copy of the meeting agenda and how to access the meeting virtually.