The borough council adopted the 2026 budget in a roll-call vote Tuesday and approved a series of administrative resolutions including a plan to buy the water company building at 70 Chestnut Street.

Mark (borough staff) presented a resolution to amend the borough's 2021 water revenue promissory note so the borough can purchase the building for $400,000, with $80,000 payable at settlement and the remaining $320,000 payable in four annual installments of $80,000. "I already have the signed deed from the municipal authority," Mark said, and told the council he would wire funds and record the deed after council approval.

The council held a roll-call vote to adopt the 2026 budget; the transcript records the following verbal responses: Bob Bartlett — Yes; Jim Steele — Yes; Scott Gutrell — Yes; Matt Moore — Yes. The motion passed. Council members said the budget will be reopened at the Jan. 5 meeting so staff can adjust figures tied to pending CDBG awards.

Council also approved a resolution to amend the note and take all actions necessary to complete a police building contract with MABL. That resolution passed in a recorded voice/roll-call vote with recorded affirmative responses: Scott Rowlett — Yes; Jim Steele — Yes; Scott Petro — Yes; Matt Moore — Yes.

Other administrative actions included voice approval of borough closures (noon on Dec. 24 and a four-hour shift allowance for staff) and delegation of authority for police renovation bids up to $12,000 per bid, with Jim and Summer overseeing purchases within that cap. The council scheduled a reorganization meeting for Jan. 5 at 4:30 p.m.

The purchase of 70 Chestnut Street and the amendment to the water note are effective next steps once staff executes settlement and records the deed; the council directed staff to proceed.

Next steps: the council will reopen the budget in January to reflect updated CDBG figures and staff will proceed with the closing and recording for the 70 Chestnut Street purchase.