Emmaus Borough Council met Dec. 1 for a meeting dominated by budget discussions ahead of the new fiscal year.

Council President Chad Balliet called the meeting to order 6 p.m. and no residents came forward during Personal Appeals, Part I.

During the Community Minute, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert highlighted the tree lighting 7 p.m. Dec. 6. It will take place at the Emmaus Triangle. Plus, she praised ongoing volunteer efforts and seasonal events across the borough.

The night’s primary presentation focused on the proposed 2026 budget. Borough Manager Shane Pepe outlined major cost drivers, projected revenues and funding strategies needed to support public safety, infrastructure and municipal operations.

Water rates will be rising by about $70 a year, and there will be a 1.91% increase in property taxes (about $40 a year for a $200,000 house). Overall, property taxes cover 35.4% of the total budget costs. About 50% of residents’ tax money goes toward borough insurance, benefits and the police department.

Pepe said the slight tax increase will help against overall rising inflation and avoid the large tax increase that took place this year.

Pepe also broke down about $12,599,129 in cost-saving initiatives that took place this year. This was primarily through grant money and emergency services savings. The budget presentation set the stage for the first reading and vote of the 2026 budget.

Council then approved the minutes from the Nov. 17 meeting, along with minutes from several budget workshops held between Oct. 16 and Nov. 25.

No bids required action and council proceeded to communications.

The Running Kind organization submitted an event request for an upcoming community race, which council acknowledged for further review. Members also received and processed a volunteer application from Melanie Shimer for a seat on the Emmaus Public Library Board.

With no unfinished business carried over, the meeting shifted to new business, where three ordinances tied to the 2026 budget cycle were introduced.

Ordinance 1285 proposed the formal millage rate for 2026 at 10.6456 mills, broken into allocations for the general fund, fire protection, special roads, street lighting and two newly created levies for library services and debt service.

Ordinance 1286 introduced an updated sewer rate schedule for 2026, while Ordinance 1287 laid out new water rate structures and clarified billing and collection procedures.

All three ordinances received approval in their first reading.

Committee reports highlighted end-of-year business across departments. The health, sanitation and codes committee received approval to appoint Jennifer Wetzel to the Joint Environmental Advisory Council and reviewed several development-related matters, approving an escrow release for 300 Furnace St. and a security reduction with Kay Builders for Phase 3 of the Fields at Indian Creek.

Budget and finance presented its November performance reports and introduced Resolution 2025-35, approving the monthly bill list.

Public works confirmed its next meeting for Dec. 8.

Parks and recreation announced its Dec. 18 meeting, while public safety scheduled its next session for Dec. 10.

General administration will meet Dec. 3.

Community relations, planning and development was to meet Dec. 2.

Under boards and commissions, council acknowledged the October meeting materials from the Emmaus Public Library Board.

No residents spoke during Personal Appeals, Part II.

Pepe reported the borough finalized its 2026–2029 electricity contract and announced the hiring of Sara Heyman as a new advanced EMT, bolstering local emergency response staffing.

Lastly, the borough’s been one of three nominated for the Community of Distinction Award from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and will discover the winner very soon.

With no items in president’s business or last discussions, council adjourned the meeting.

The next regular meeting is scheduled Dec. 15, at borough hall, 420 S. 10th St., Emmaus.