The borough's finance presenter read the preliminary 2026 budget to the council and public, saying the draft proposes total general fund revenue of $11,289,364 and total departmental expenditures that would produce a balanced general fund under the presented assumptions.

The presenter described major line items (police $5,464,047; insurance and facilities $1,325,756; legal/engineering $226,500) and noted rising health-insurance costs and other pressures, including a reported 4% increase in a regional authority charge. He also said the budget reflects assumptions about full staffing on Jan. 1 and noted higher deductibles the borough currently carries.

On individual impact, the presenter said the draft corresponded to an approximate average residential property tax increase of about $182 annually under the stated assumptions and that the administration would continue to seek ways to reduce that number before final adoption. Council members asked about potential outside funding, insurance premium projections, and borrowing for capital projects; the presenter said contracts and reimbursements will influence final numbers and promised more detailed presentations at upcoming hearings.

The council voted to advertise the preliminary 2026 budget to allow the statutorily required public comment period and scheduled a budget hearing in early December to receive public input before final action.

What's next: The borough will accept public comment during the advertised period and hold a budget hearing in December. Final adoption will follow after any revisions and public input.