Bowmanstown borough council Monday night approved a 2-mill tax increase, which includes money for the volunteer fire company.

Some council members voiced their displeasure with the increase in taxes at the monthly meeting last Tuesday, which led to Monday’s special meeting.

One mill would be used for road repair and the other to help fund the fire company.

“I do not think it’s wise to raise taxes right now before we know what our budget will hold next year,” said Councilman Rob Moyer.

“Over the past four years we have increased our savings from $50,000 to $200,000 which we can use on street repair and helping to fund the fire company without raising taxes,” Moyer said.

He also explained that as the borough looks to next year’s budget, variables such as a raise in health insurance could influence the 2018 budget.

The 2 mills would each generate $14,945. Concerned residents asked if it would be used directly for roads and the fire company.

Mayor William Ravert assured the residents, “If the money is raised for the streets, it will be used for the streets.”

Fire Company Chief Mike Spairana then made his case for the 1 mill suggested for the fire company.

He said the mortgage is $14,000 a year and gas for the trucks costs $12,000.

Councilman Norm Engle Jr. supported the idea of the money for the fire company.

“A 15-20 percent increase in taxes would be what homeowners would be looking at if the fire company was not around,” Engle said.

Head of the Budget Committee Burdell Steigerwalt made the motion once again for the 2-mill increase in taxes.

The motion passed on a 6-1, awarding 1 mill to the fire company and 1 mill to road repair. Moyer voted against the increase.

Council said road repairs will continue as long as the weather holds out and then will continue in spring.