Macungie Passes Revised 2012 Budget

Macungie Council passed a second annual budget for 2012 at its meeting on Feb. 6.

The $3.4 million budget calls for a tax increase of 1.45 mils for a total borough millage of 8.4.

For residents whose homes are assessed at the borough average of $67,000, the proposed 1.45-mil increase would mean an annual tax bill of  $562.80, an increase of $97.16 over taxes paid in 2011.

The budget restores some, but not all, of what Borough Manager Chris Boehm called "quality of life in the borough."

It will restore:

• Both the administrative assistant and building coordinator’s positions to full-time with benefits.
• The $1,500 contribution to the Lower Lehigh Lions for the Halloween parade.
• The $3,000 to the Macungie Youth Association.
• The $500 for special event decorations.

It will not restore:

• The sixth police officer position, but would increase the part-time police officer wages by $7,359 for a total of $51,359 to be used to hire part-time officers to fill any gaps in coverage.
• The $300 to cover the cost of holiday lighting, which is expected to be covered by donations.

After a lengthy executive session to discuss personnel, council voted unanimously to hire Jordan Sonka of Allentown and Michaell Salvo Jr. of Conshohocken as part-time police officers who will be paid an hourly rate of $16.37.

Council also unanimously passed a motion to put out a Request for Proposal for a new solicitor. The position is currently held by Attorney Timothy Sigfried, who has held the position for more than 20 years.