Montoursville Borough Council will consider a lean budget that keeps the line on real estate taxes when it meets for its next regular session in two weeks.
The borough's Finance Committee Thursday revealed a $1.72 million budget for 2013 - nearly $200,000 smaller than this year's spending plan.
"One of the nice things about this budget is there is no new tax increase," said council President Robert Brobson. "And there is no increase in water rates."
To help balance the spending plan, the committee is looking to transfer $203,437 from the water budget, he noted.
That would be less money transferred from the water fund to the general fund budget than in previous years.
The smaller spending plan is mostly the result of trimming costs from various areas of the budget, Brobson said.
However, personnel salaries were not affected.
The borough is facing higher costs for health insurance, workers compensation and fuel in the coming year, according to borough officials.
The budget includes funding for a $165,000 street sweeper to be paid over three years.
Brobson noted that the 2.3 millage rate is the lowest among all boroughs in Lycoming County with the exception of Picture Rocks and Salladasburg.
"The budget is just a blueprint," Brobson said.
Council will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 to consider a preliminary budget and other matters.
