Despite action that would indicate otherwise, Walnutport officials remain adamant there will be no tax increase next year.

On a 6-1 vote, borough council on Thursday agreed to advertise the 2023 preliminary budget with a half-mill increase, from 19.25 to 19.75 mills. Councilwoman Patrice Hunsicker was opposed.

Council agreed to advertise the budget for public review from Nov. 14 through Dec. 7.

Afterward, council on a 6-1 vote, with Hunsicker again opposed, accepted the balanced budget with the tax increase as approved to be advertised.

Councilwoman Jen Wentz said that since last month’s meeting, money was added for anticipated increases in fuel and heating oil, and to increase part-time police officers’ pay by .50 cents an hour.

Wentz said the current deficit of $70,000 would be covered by the rollover.

However, Wentz stressed she doesn’t expect a tax increase in 2023.

“I do not anticipate a tax increase at all,” Wentz said.

At last month’s meeting, Wentz said that last year council raised the rate for part-time police officers.

Wentz then raised the possibility of another .50 cent or $1 per hour raise in the 2023 budget.

She said at that time she would ask for a tax increase at this month’s council meeting “because you have to.”

Also on Thursday, council approved bullet proof vests (contracted item) in the amount of $4,674 from Witmer Public.

However, council said it wasn’t certain if it will be from out of this year or next year’s budget, as it depends on when it’s invoiced.

The 2023 budget will be on the agenda for final adoption when council meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 8.

Last December council passed this year’s budget with no tax increase, leaving it at 19.25 mills.