The Borough of White Oak council approved a balanced general fund budget for 2026 and adopted an appropriation resolution that fixes the tax rate for the year.

Jason Russell, who presented the finance committee report, told the council, "We're presenting a balanced general fund budget in the amount of $6,754,797.02." Russell said the budget is balanced using $161,559.79 from the fund balance to maintain the tax rate at 9 mills and that the plan leaves an estimated 13 percent remaining fund balance.

Russell outlined several spending priorities contained in the proposal: funding for 13 police officers, including the chief, to reach full staffing; funding for seven public works positions; $200,000 added to the capital fund reserve for future paving; a $25,000 match over the next two years tied to a $50,000 municipal assistance program grant to update the zoning ordinance; and continued support for fire departments, EMS, the athletic association and the library.

Council then considered two formal resolutions tied to the budget. The first, Resolution 2025-22, adopting the 2026 budget, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The second, Resolution 2025-23, appropriating specific sums for municipal government and fixing the 2026 tax rate, was likewise moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. No recorded opposition was noted in the meeting record.

Under personnel business, council approved a motion to renew the borough's health insurance with UPMC (identified in the record as the MUWPPO 2520/40 plan). The motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The council announced upcoming meeting dates, including a council reauthorization meeting on Jan. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m., and a council workshop on Jan. 12, 2026, at 6:45 p.m., followed by the council meeting that evening at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned.