Columbia council adopts 2026 budget, sets millage rate and earmarks $300,000 for fire company

Columbia Borough Council adopted the borough'026budget for 2026 on Dec. 9, approving Resolution 2025-28 and, shortly after, Resolution 2025-29 setting the 2026 millage rate. The adopted budget includes a $300,000 contribution to the local fire company, an increase the manager said is roughly $189,000 more than last year.

Council members questioned how the budget interacts with planned personnel pay raises and reserve levels. A council member asked why the budget was before the council prior to adopting pay raises; an official responded that the advertised figures already included those raises. When asked about reserves, staff said exact year-end reserve balances were not available at the meeting but could be provided at the next meeting.

Council discussed the mechanics of reserve policy and whether the borough must hold 15% in reserves; staff said that is a council code recommendation rather than a state statutory requirement. A council member expressed concern that drawing heavily on reserves without a plan to replenish could signal financial stress.

Adoption and votes: council moved and seconded adoption of Resolution 2025-28 (the 2026 budget). The motion carried by voice vote. Council then moved and seconded adoption of Resolution 2025-29 to set the 2026 millage rate; the motion was approved by voice vote, with one member explicitly voicing opposition during the roll-call portion of the meeting. The transcript does not record a detailed roll-call vote tally for either resolution.

Why it matters: The adopted budget and millage rate set the borough'026tax levy and spending priorities for 2026, including funding toward the fire company and the previously discussed personnel raises. Council asked staff to provide more detailed reserve numbers at the next meeting so members and the public can assess the budget'026fiscal position.