WELLSBORO - The borough's three budgets - general, water and sewer - are all balanced, according to borough Manager Daniel Strausser, and there will not be a tax increase needed in 2013.
The $2.9 million general fund, $870,000 water fund and $692,000 sewer fund budgets were approved to be advertised for adoption during Monday's council meeting.
The real estate tax millage will remain at 6.33 mills, he said.
In other business, the borough will keep a few of its trees around the Packer Park tennis and basketball courts following discussion over a disagreement between two council members.
Borough council voted 4-1, with councilman John Sticklin voting against, to remove only one tree at the park that is in "decline" and more if trees are deemed sick by a professional tree arborist.
Councilman Mike Wood, who wants the borough to remain "Tree City, USA," said he would vote yes to the motion made by Councilman Terry Bryant only if he could see the professional's credentials.
The action was taken following a discussion between Wood and Sticklin who wanted the trees removed because they also are dropping leaves on the newly resurfaced tennis court, creating mold and making the surface of that court and the basketball court slippery when it rains.
Wood suggested the leaves be removed, but not the trees.
In other business, council approved a new sign for the First Baptist Church as it was originally presented, rather than as the historical board recommended - again with Sticklin voting against, because the church had already ordered the sign before seeking approval from the board.
In related business, the board heard that the new high school sign approval was "null and void" because the school board dropped the request.
The board also:
Approved the removal of two buildings at the corner of Water and Queen streets by property owner, Laurel Health Systems, to make room for an expanded parking lot, on condition shrubbery and small trees be included to enhance the look of the lot.
Heard the borough will receive $171,000 from the state's natural gas impact fee.
Heard from the police chief there are some parking issues mainly on West Avenue during yard sales and cleanup days from people parking on both sides of the street.
Approved contributing $5,000 for a new joint comprehensive plan with Delmar, Charleston and Duncan townships under the condition they chip in the same amount in order to apply for a matching grant to cover the rest of the cost.
Approved a change order for street paving, which has been completed, bringing the total spent to $240,732.
About $15,000 of that will come from Liquid Fuels funds.
Approved a motion to adopt the Greenwood Street turnback accepting responsibility for maintaining the street along with $272,735 from the state Department of Transportation. The bridge still belongs to PennDOT.
Heard that nutrient credits have been secured from the Lancaster Sewer Authority for $3.50 per nitrogen credit and $3 per phosphorus credit. Last year the borough paid over $5 per credit.
Heard that Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission has accepted the borough's application to remove vegetative debris from the streams in the borough if permission is obtained from landowners to cross their property.
Appointed Keystone Collections as tax collector for the borough.
