Lansford Borough Council approved its 2025 budget with a tax decrease at its meeting Wednesday night.

Council made no changes to the $1.77 million spending plan, which has general government, public works and police as its largest expenditures totaling a combined $1.48 million.

The tax decrease comes from a reduction in millage for debt purposes and street lighting. Millage for debt service is going from 1.28 mill to zero, and street lighting is going from 2.81 mills to 2.4 mills.

The previous tax rate was 36.84 mills and now will be 35.15 mills, according to the tax rate resolution also approved by council.

“We’re reducing the millage by 1.69 mills,” Council President Bruce Markovich said. “That would be about $50, maybe a little bit more.”

There was no one opposed to the tax resolution, but Councilwoman Jennifer Staines voted against the budget, which passed 4-1. Councilmen Jack Soberick and Jay Doyle were absent.

The spending plan shows revenues of $1,265,820 from taxes; $17,000 in cable television franchise; $21,500 in fines; and $33,900 in interest, rent and royalties.

Other income includes $194,300 in intergovernmental revenues; $82,250 in charges for services; $8,240 for school crossing guard; and $62,800 in miscellaneous and other sources.

Expenditures include $276,650 for general government; $15,475 for buildings; $812,900 for police; $16,050 for fire; $46,450, code enforcement; $8,000, zoning; and $25,581, public safety/other.

Other expenses were $394,225, public works; $15,125; municipal office expenses; $38,750, miscellaneous; and $121,000 grant expense.

Fees

Council also approved a fee resolution for 2025 with almost across the board increases for permits and increased fines for quality of life violations.

One of the sticking points with increasing the fees was reserved parking signs for handicapped individuals. The initial fee and installation of the sign is going from $150 to $225. There will also be an annual fee of $75 due in July.

Staines, who has been working on the fee schedule for months, said the borough secretary as well as Lacey Gonzalez, who has been handling the borough’s budget and books, agreed with the increases.

“I don’t think anything is terribly out of line,” Staines said.