The Slatington Borough Council will adopt its final budget at its February monthly meeting after weeks spent crunching the numbers.

After three new members joined the council in January, the first order of action was to reopen the proposed budget and exam the fiscal plan.

Under the helm of new President Daniel Stevens, the board spent four weeks reviewing borough expenditures and revenues to develop a new funding plan for 2018.

“We changed up the real estate transfer tax from 35 to 45 percent,” Stevens said.

The percentages of the budget will be 35 percent to both the sewer and water funds, and 15 percent to both the general and garbage funds.

According to the board, residents may expect a cheaper garbage bill for the rest of the year. It’s decreasing from $66 to $55 per quarterly.

“It’d be nice to give something back to the residents,” Stevens said.

“I think it’s overdue,” Councilman David Schnaars said.

“We did promise the residents a refund. We should honor that promise,” said Councilman Jason Ruff.

Stevens said the refund will take place immediately following the February council meeting.

The fire tax increase will remain in place, with the board temporarily transferring money from the general fund to the fire fund until the tax takes effect.

Schnaars also informed the board that a volunteer firefighter backed one of the trucks into the garage door again.

“Last week someone backed into the door. This is the fourth time since I’ve been on council,” he said.

“They are going to have a driver’s training course,” Schnaars said.

“If it’s 100 percent their fault, maybe they should have to pay the deductible,” said Councilman Russel Hallman.

The board will increase the Vigilant Fire Company building maintenance from $6,900 to $8,200 to cover the air conditioner replacement that started over the summer.

“Our legal fees dropped. They were so high due to all the extra ordinances and code enforcement,” Stevens said.

The borough manager salary was lowered from $90,000 to $60,000.

According to Hallman, replacing the manager is still on the table though it’s low on the “to-do” list.

“We may still get a manager but we have other bridges to cross,” he said.

Ruff said the borough hasn’t put money into recreation.

“Do you want to put something into parks? We have a D&L grant for $1,500 for bike racks. If we come up with a match for that. We agreed to have bike racks installed before the big trail kickoff day in April,” Stevens said.

“I’m just trying to have foresight here for next year if we get that small community grant,” Ruff said.

“We will add $3,000 to materials and supplies,” Stevens said.

“It would’ve been better if we could’ve given back to the people,” Hallman said.

“The garbage discount is a start though. They will save $44 a year,” he said.

“We have got to start giving back to the people and watch their money,” he said.

The council will vote to adopt the budget during its monthly meeting on Feb. 12, at the borough hall.