Shawn Bolles

The purpose of this public hearing was to discuss the Proposed 2026 Budget Ordinance and the 2026 Tax Levy Resolution. The proposed tax rates were detailed for General purposes (30.00 mils), Fire Department purposes (4.00 mils), Street Improvement purposes (2.00 mils), Recreation purposes (4.00 mils), Lighting purposes (4.70 mils), Debt Services (0.00 mils), and Emergency Medical Services (1.25 mils), totaling 45.95 mils. The council noted slight increases in the lighting and recreation budget lines. These proposals were scheduled for adoption at the subsequent regular meeting.

The meeting commenced with the President reading a proclamation honoring Nancy Vocci for her dedicated service, leadership, and historical contributions to the Borough of Matamoras. Key actions included the approval of the Unanimous Consent Agenda items, which covered the minutes of the previous Public Hearing and Council meeting from November 2025, the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, and bills to be paid for November 2025. A motion was passed to approve reimbursement to the Recreation Department from the Wade Trust Fund. Department reports included updates on drain installation, servicing of DPW garage doors, Code Enforcement permits and violations, and the status of unpaid tax bills. Old business addressed the closure of the Westfall Compost area, the Fire Department Lease agreement, progress on Borough Alleyways fieldwork, and plans for the three-phase Borough Building Renovation, including a motion to deny a subdivision application. New business focused on the adoption of the 2026 Budget, adoption of Ordinance 2025-008 fixing the 2026 tax rate, tabling the revised police addendum, and advertising the 2026 meeting schedule. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of a Conditional Agreement.

This meeting agenda outlines several organizational and appointment matters for the new term. Key items include the swearing in of new council members and tax collector, the election of the Council President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem, and the appointment of various borough officers and board members. Appointments cover roles such as Borough Secretary, Treasurer, Solicitor, Engineer, and members for the Police Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Building Hearing Board, and Recreation Advisory Board. The agenda also lists items for public comment, consent agenda items (including approval of December 2025 minutes and financial reports), reports from various departments, correspondence, and old/new business, which includes a Fire Department Lease Agreement update and the Cavallaro & Codichini Lot Improvement Subdivision.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Proposed 2026 Budget Ordinance and the 2026 Tax Levy Resolution. The tax rates for various purposes, including general purposes, fire department, street improvement, recreation, lighting, debt services, and emergency medical services, will be discussed.

The meeting included discussions on various topics. The commission reviewed Borough Ordinances, discussed the Joint Comprehensive Plan, and considered a Medical Marijuana Ordinance, which was forwarded to the Borough Council for consideration with a typographical correction. A Conditional Use Application for a Home Occupation by Faithful Companion Pet Care LLC was also forwarded for approval. Additionally, the commission tabled a request from the Council regarding the permitting of chickens and other small fowl within borough limits. A member of the public suggested that site plans be made available for public inspection.