Gayle R. Marthers

The primary focus of the reorganization meeting was the administration of the oath of office to newly elected Borough Council members and the Tax Collector. Subsequent actions included the election of the President of Council, who was Richard Mathews, the election of the Vice President of Council, who was L. Michael Wight, and the election of the President Pro Tempore of Council, who was Bruce Carr. The Council re-appointed various Borough Residents to committees, including the Finance Committee, Planning Commission, Public Sewer Advisory Committee, Vacancy Board, and Zoning Hearing Board. Professional consultants, including the Borough Auditor, Engineer, SEO, Solicitor, and representatives to various County and Regional Committees, were re-appointed. The Council adopted Resolution #1-2026, establishing the 2026 Fee Schedule, and authorized the execution of a Grant Agreement for the Kay Sullivan Park Improvement Project. Finally, the Council rejected all bids received for the 2025 Municipal Solid Waste Contract and authorized advertising for a re-letting.

The meeting included public comment regarding reports expected from the Fire/EMS department and clarifications on funding levels. The Mayor's Report covered the status of the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Initiative,' review of new speed sign data, the impending service of a new police vehicle, and announcements for several holiday events such as Santa letters, Santa Rides, a Craft Market, and Meal Kits. Administrative business involved the acceptance of the October 2025 Treasurer's Report, the unanimous adoption of the 2026 Annual Budget without a tax increase, and the adoption of resolutions setting the 2026 Real Estate Tax rate and the 2026 Fire/EMS Dedicated Tax rate. Council also approved the purchase of four Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units using Fire/EMS Tax Fund monies and approved significant revisions to the Personnel Manual regarding overtime and Comp Time accrual for employees, which passed with one dissenting vote. Unfinished business included the rejection of all bids for lot sales, which will be revisited in the next meeting, and an update indicating that the Cinder Shed was deemed unsafe, necessitating immediate plans for demolition and rebuilding.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation and statistical report from the Fountain Dale Volunteer Fire Department Chief regarding their 2025 activity, noting a 25% increase in calls. The Council authorized the disposal of Borough records via Resolution #2-2026 as an annual housekeeping measure. The Mayor's report covered the Police Department's 2025 statistics, noting a 7% decrease in overall incidents, the placement of AED units in service, and a phishing alert discussion. Administratively, the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 was accepted, and an extension was granted for the Steven Shank Subdivision Plan. Pension Audits for 2025 showed no deficiencies. Under unfinished business, the Council reviewed grant funding updates and authorized the advertisement of a bid packet for Pickleball Courts pending legal review. Additionally, the Council authorized the advertising for the sale of specific lots and the appraisal/perc testing of others. The vacation of several trails was tabled for future review after members visit the locations. New business included a public inquiry regarding mental health incidents handled by the police.

The Borough Council Agenda for January 13, 2026, included several key items for discussion and potential action. Business included authorizing the disposal of records via Resolution #2-2026. Reports covered Police, Fire/EMS/EMA, and Committee updates, specifically from the New Park Ad Hoc Committee regarding park planning concepts, including decisions on building inclusion, walking paths, pavilions, restrooms, adventure areas, pump track location, disc golf incorporation, reforestation, and the removal of the amphitheater. Administrative business featured the Treasurer's Report for December 2025, the Steven Shank Subdivision Plan extension request, and Pension Audits. Unfinished business touched upon Grant Funding Updates and advertising the Bid Packet for the LSA Grant Pickleball Court. Financial documentation reviewed included payments made in December 2025 for various borough services and supplies.

This document presents the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for the Borough of Carroll Valley, designed to meet citizens' needs while implementing continued financial reforms. The Borough's primary focus is on delivering quality services, ensuring financial stability, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Key aspects include no property tax rate increase for 2026, careful management of modest revenue growth and rising costs, and a commitment to funding infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and parks. The budget also outlines a comprehensive 10-year Capital Reserve Plan for 2026-2035.