Emmaus Borough Council met Oct. 20 for its regular meeting at borough hall, addressing a short agenda. Council President Chad Balliet called the meeting to order 6 p.m. and during personal appeals, a resident asked about the idea of raising income taxes by a small percentage to ease the most recent tax increases in the borough. The solicitor and borough manager explained the task would need to go through a referendum and would be very difficult to get done.

In a community minute, Council member Chris DeFrain said the Emmaus Halloween Parade was a great success and the parade committee wanted to thank all the volunteers, borough employees, local business owners and residents who made the parade an amazing event.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe and the rest of the council agreed the parade was very well attended and a great night for the borough.

There were no items listed under new or unfinished business as well. The meeting then transitioned into a series of committee reports, beginning with public works, which shared notes from its Oct. 13 meeting and confirmed its next session for Nov. 10. The parks and recreation committee announced its next session for Oct. 30, while the public safety committee will meet Nov. 12.

The health, sanitation and codes committee report presented an adjusted lighting plan for the Parkside at North development, which was reviewed and accepted by the council. The committee’s next meeting was scheduled for Nov. 18.

The general administration committee reported the appointment of Charlotte Gross to the Emmaus Public Library Board to fill the remainder of a three-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2028, with the motion passing unanimously.

The budget and finance committee report showcased the third quarter 2025 budget performance report and Resolution 2025-31, approving the current bill list. Members also reviewed significant revenues and expenses from the first half of October, confirming the borough’s fiscal stability heading into the final quarter of the year.

The community relations, planning and development committee shared notes from its Oct. 7 meeting and will reconvene Nov. 4.

Under boards and commissions, council acknowledged the minutes from the Oct. 2 civil service commission meeting and the Sept. 16 Emmaus Public Library Board session.

In a second opportunity for personal appeals, a small donation was made to the borough.

There were no items in Pepe’s report, nor was there a report from Balliet. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with the next regular session scheduled 6 p.m. Nov. 3.