During the Oct. 20 North Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council members discussed the 2026 general and sewer fund budgets and approved them to be advertised.

With the general fund budget, an increase of 3 mills is proposed, going from 17 mills and 20 mills. The budget came in at $3,237,821.53.

The sewer fund budget came in at $1,256,000.

Both Treasurer Tricia Tillman and Secretary Tasha Jandrisovits spoke during the meeting on the budgets and what aspects are affecting them.

Tillman detailed some of the significant expenses in this budget. She said the borough signed a new five-year garbage contract, which has a price increase of $520 a year. Council may include discounts of $505 for nonseniors and $490 for seniors for those who pay the bill by Feb. 28, 2026.

Since Northampton County is requiring fire and police to switch to new radios, this will cost the borough about $40,000 a year for the next five years, Tillman said.

All insurances went up, including Capital Blue at more than 18%.

In addition, new servers and devices need to be updated to be compatible with Windows 11.

Jandrisovits said less money is coming in from the new homes being sold at Willow Brook. She also said council expects less grant money to come in next year.

A copy of the proposed budgets can be viewed at the borough office, 1066 Fourth St.

After the meeting, Jandrisovits said approval for both budgets may occur at the Nov. 17 meeting.

In other news, resident Tina Snyder thanked council and the police department for having the opportunity available for residents to have their car seats installed and/or checked. Anyone can reach out to the department to have this done.

Resident Eric Snyder, who has a rental property in the borough, brought up concerns about needing to have his property inspected every two years. It was discussed some properties definitely need to have consistent inspections, but council said the legal committee will do a review of the process to see if any leeway can be given to property owners who have passed successful inspections for a few years.

Also at the meeting, a handicap spot for 210 Arch St. was approved.

Council gave approval to the Pennsylvania State Police to have Cpl. Steven Santiago participate with Camp Cadet, which is a mock police training-style program.

It was announced the annual tree lighting will be held 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St.

Council will next meet 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at the municipal building.