MANSFIELD - Borough council approved its $1.35 million 2013 budget with no real estate tax increase during its Wednesday meeting.
A $3,000 increase in the borough's donation to the public library was the only change.
Real estate tax millage will remain at 7.25 mills.
Council also approved its 2013 sewer rate amendment ordinance with a 5-percent increase discussed at the Nov. 14 meeting. This is third year of a five-year plan to increase rates each year.
The five-year sewer agreement with the university also was renewed for another year.
The university pays the borough $185,552 annually for the first 52 million gallons of sewage processed, paid quarterly.
In other business, council discussed a request from the municipal authority for financial help with a low-water pressure issue on Townview and Barnes drives at the north side of the borough.
Act 13 gas impact fee funds can be used for water services, said Director of Finance and Administration Lynette Hoyt. The borough received $172,000 for its 2010 producing gas wells and likely will receive the same amount next year.
"Six residents are having water pressure issues. The authority also is trying to find water. They want to be considered for help," she said.
Council agreed to have the finance committee look at it and bring a recommendation back to council in January.
Council also:
Approved the annual renewal of a GE Xenon monitoring contract for the sewer plant for $14,900.
Accepted the retirement of Bob Bartlett from the Municipal Authority.
Approved renewal of a 10-year fire protection agreement with the Mansfield Hose Co., which includes a 3-percent increase every two years.
Appointed delegates to the Tioga County Tax Commission. Hoyt is primary, Director of Codes and Public Works Sean Forrest first alternate, and Councilwoman Heather Morgan second alternate.
Approved sending the zoning ordinance changes for the proposed overlay district at the I-99 Business Park and other areas of the borough to the planning commission for review and set a public hearing on the matter for Feb. 13, just prior to council's meeting. A hearing on zoning changes for Meadow Street will be held at the same time.
Authorized the borough solicitor to review a new property maintenance ordinance for advertising and approval at the January meeting.
Approved a proposal from Dan Bohart to replace the heater in the mechanical room at the swimming pool for $2,950 to be paid from the general fund.
Approved removing the limits on the amount of wood chips people can get from the sewage treatment plant, for a $10 loading fee.
