$50,000 donation will help keep Northampton pool open; council ratifies Keystone Collections Group for earned-income tax collection

Council members told the meeting that an unsolicited donation of $50,000 was received to support the municipal pool and help prevent its closure. A council speaker said, "Jerry received a check from or with trucks for the sum of $50,000 to be used towards the pool, as we see fit," adding that the donor placed no conditions on its use. Council reported that with that support the pool "will be open this year," and that staff will publish revised fees and signage when details are finalized.

Separately, the council ratified Keystone Collections Group as the borough’s earned income tax collector as required by the Commonwealth; the selection was put to a motion and second and ratified by voice vote. Staff and council members fielded questions about whether Keystone would provide local drop-off or in-person services; officials said billing and collections will continue through Keystone’s processes and the borough will look into local accommodations as requested by residents.

Public works reported on a relining project in the 4th Ward and asked residents to monitor road closures and detour information on the borough website and app. Council members also discussed the initial rollout of new trash and recycling cans; staff noted that smaller cans are being ordered and that once counts are finalized crews will return to exchange large cans for those who requested smaller sizes.

Attorney Stewart advised the council on updated bidding thresholds for 2026, noting the de minimis dollar thresholds have been raised: "In 2025, there was a threshold of $12,900 requiring no bidding whatsoever. That's been raised to $13,200," and that thresholds for written quotes and formal competitive bidding were adjusted upward as well.

Officials said the borough will publish follow-up information on the pool, fees, trash can exchanges and other service changes as details are finalized.