The Athens Borough council Monday voted to adopt the borough's 2013 budget and the ordinance setting the 2013 tax rate.
Under the budget, the tax rate will remain at 18 mills, unchanged from last year despite a significant reduction in tax revenues caused by last September's flood. At $2,275,927, the 2013 budget is about $4,300 less than 2012's spending plan, according to figures provided by the borough.
The council also adopted an amendment to the borough's police pension ordinance which states that the borough or police force are not required to contribute to the pension fund for 2013 based on the fund's actuarial valuation report.
Council members also authorized the purchase of a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe for the police department at a cost of $31,850 and a light and siren package at a cost of $5,967.44. The purchase will be funded by $42,000 set aside in the police budget for a new vehicle, said councilman Rick Lowery.
The new vehicle will replace a 2006 Dodge Charger, which will have its police equipment removed and be used as a vehicle for the borough manager, Lowery said.
The council also adopted an update to the borough's peddling and soliciting ordinance. The ordinance will now require a solicitor, peddler or transient merchant to obtain a license from the chief of police.
Amanda Renko can be reached at (570) 888-9652; or email: arenko@thedailyreview.com.
