Lock Haven City Council unanimously approved a set of procedural and fiscal measures during its public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget.

The council first approved the minutes of the Nov. 24 regular meeting after a motion and second; the roll call showed all members voting yes. Later, council approved a commercial loan recommended by the commercial loan committee: Hyde Barber Holdings LLC will receive a $50,000 loan to purchase the commercial building at 307 Belmont Avenue. Staff said the approved loan carries a seven-year term at 3% interest and will be secured by a second‑lien mortgage on the business property. The loan was moved and seconded on the record and approved by roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting yes.

Council also adopted Ordinance 2025‑10, an amendment to Chapter 99 concerning the police pension fund and death benefits to align with the Lockett Police Officers Association agreement effective Jan. 1, 2026. Staff explained the change requires officers to contribute 2% and consolidates a separate death‑benefit arrangement into the police pension fund, eliminating fees for maintaining a third pension fund.

On the wage ordinance, Council approved Ordinance 2025‑11 (second reading unchanged) to provide a 3.7% wage increase for regular city employees and 4% for clerical employees in 2026. Staff noted an error in Exhibit B (patrol step 2 percent) that will be corrected before finalization; council proceeded with the vote after clarification and recorded unanimous approval.

What happens next: the approved loan will proceed toward closing with city solicitor and the business owner, and the ordinance changes take effect per their stated timelines; staff will correct the Exhibit B error before final documents are finalized.