No Tax Increase in Heidelberg

passed its 2012 municipal budget plan Tuesday night with no tax increase.

Council approved the $1.253 million operating budget by a 3-1 vote during its regular meeting and will keep property taxes at 8.5 mills. Councilman Robert DeBar voted against the budget and Council President Ray Losego did not attend the meeting.

The borough also expects to spend another $1.535 million on capital improvements. The highest expenditure in the budget is for police protection, which will cost the borough $236,000 next year.

To view the entire budget, click this link and scroll down the page.

Also during the meeting…

• Sewage rates in Heidelberg will be increasing because ALCOSAN has raised its rates. The borough rates, however, will remain the same. Overall, the 3 percent increase will mean residents pay $5.75 a month and $9.25 per 1,000 gallons of water. The ALCOSAN portion of that bill will be $4.32 per 1,000 gallons of water used, and the quarterly service charge is $9.07.

• Borough Manager Joe Kauer said they have raised the $2,140 needed to purchase a historical marker recognizing The borough is now working with the state on the wording of the marker, and Kauer said they expect to install it next toin the summer.

• The borough is considering opening up Coal Street if all the residents living there agree to the decision. would pave the street as part of a flex agreement with Heidelberg, and the borough public works would plow the road.

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