Palmerton residents will see a moderate increase in their municipal tax rates next year.

On a unanimous measure, borough council on Thursday adopted the 2021 budget with a 1-mill increase in the municipal tax rate.

That will raise the millage rate from 11.77 to 12.77 mills, which means the average homeowner would see an increase of about $4 to $6 per month.

However, there are no increases in water, sewer or trash rates.

Borough Manager Donna McGarry previously said a 1-mill increase would help offset several expenditures, such as the impending demolition of 509-511 Lehigh Ave., though she added that could be covered if a grant for remediation of blighted properties comes through. In the event the grant doesn’t come through, McGarry said the borough still has funds to pay for it.

McGarry said that the borough didn’t hire summer workers, did cut administrative hours, and some overtime was reduced in the Public Works Department.

Additionally, McGarry said the increase will help pay for Tasers for the police department.

In a related matter, council adopted a resolution to increase its moving permit, zoning hearing board, street opening permits and health inspection fees to bring its rates more in line with that of neighboring municipalities.