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Plymouth Borough Council adopts $3.135 million 2026 budget, sets 8.22-mill tax rate and approves property purchase
Summary
At a Dec. 30 special meeting, Plymouth Borough Council approved a $3,135,241 balanced 2026 budget with a 0.5-mill tax increase (estimated $70,000), passed Ordinance No. 1-2025 setting an 8.22-mill rate, amended civil-service hiring rules for lateral police moves, renewed a two-officer SRO agreement, and authorized purchase of 128–130 Downing St.
Plymouth Borough Council on Dec. 30 adopted a balanced 2026 budget of $3,135,241, authorized a 0.5-mill tax increase projected to yield roughly $70,000, and approved Ordinance No. 1-2025 setting the borough's 2026 real-estate tax rate at 8.22 mills. The council approved the budget and ordinance by recorded votes of 6 yes, 1 absent.
The council also passed Resolution No. 8-2025 to amend rules for the borough's Civil Service Commission, enabling "lateral" hires so officers already working as police can be brought on without restarting the hiring process. Council members said the change shortens hiring for experienced candidates.
Council approved a four-year contract renewal with Wyoming Valley West School District for two full-time school resource officers (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2029). Minutes state the borough currently has one officer assigned and must hire another; the school district will pay about 84% of the officer's employment costs while officers are assigned at the school.
The borough moved to close on a property purchase at 128–130 Downing Street for $335,000, including a $35,000 deposit and financing the $300,000 balance with a 15-year Qualified Tax-Exempt Loan from Wayne Bank at a 5.26% interest rate. Council authorized the president and vice-president to sign closing documents and designated the borough secretary to attest; members noted a deed search, passage of a related ordinance and DCED approval are still required before closing.
Council also approved payment of the month's bills to close out 2025. The minutes note the borough's outstanding debt for the Beade Street gate project is about $260,000 and state the borough is "in the black." All motions carried by recorded votes of 6 yes, 1 absent.
Next steps recorded in the minutes include finalizing deed search and obtaining any required approvals before the Downing Street purchase is completed; the minutes were prepared by Borough Secretary Maryann Lang and approved Jan. 13, 2026.
