New Freedom Borough Council recorded several formal actions on Nov. 10, including approval of a county shelter agreement, rejection of the York County SPCA contract, payment for wastewater work, and selection of a budget scenario that defers capital outlays.

Shelter agreement: Council considered a mutual shelter agreement with the York County Office of Emergency Management. Solicitor Walt (S1) explained that the indemnification clause means each party would defend the other for its own negligence; the county’s insurer confirmed coverage was sufficient. Council Member S8 moved to approve the agreement, the motion was seconded, and council voted in favor.

SPCA agreement rejected: Council debated the 2026 animal care and housing agreement with the York County SPCA, discussing the small number of instances the borough uses the SPCA and reported increases in SPCA expenses and executive pay. Council Member S7 moved and S8 seconded a motion to reject the agreement; council voted to reject it.

Capital and contract votes: Council approved Payment Application No. 7 to PSI Pumping Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $190,005.31 for Phase 1 aeration work at the borough wastewater facility. Separately, council selected "scenario 3" for the 2026 proposed budget and authorized public notice and advertisement; scenario 3 removes some capital reserve allocations for 2026 (including postponing a vehicle replacement) while holding millage rates steady at 2.3 mil (general), 0.28 mil (fire) and 0.2 mil (EMS). The public hearing was set for Dec. 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the borough office.

Next steps: The manager’s office will post the proposed budget for inspection per legal notice requirements and prepare documentation about how deferred capital items will be evaluated before potential reintroduction in 2027.