Hughesville Borough Council at its recent meeting approved a 1.25-mill tax increase as part of next year’s $1.3 million spending plan.

With the tax hike, those with properties having an assessed value of $100,000 will pay an additional $125 in real estate taxes next year.

The tax increase, which includes 0.25 mills for emergency management services, is being driven by rising costs for health insurance and employees.

One mill generates $81,778 in revenue, according to Jerry Daugherty, borough financial committee chair.

The budget will not include a $32,500 payment from Picture Rocks Borough for police coverage by Hughesville.

Picture Rocks reportedly voted at its Dec. 1 meeting to not renew its annual police contract with its neighboring borough.

Without the tax hike, the budget would reflect a deficit, Daugherty noted.

Council President Andrew Mook lamented that perhaps council should have approved smaller tax hikes in previous years to avoid next year’s increase.

However, Councilman Dan Cale said, “I think it’s better all in all the way we did it.”

He noted that recent years brought financial challenges for Hughesville residents. He cited COVID-19 and the sidewalk upgrade mandates.

The vote to approve the budget and the tax hike was 6-0.

Voting in favor were Mook, Cale, Daugherty, Jacqueline Murray, Todd McCowan, and McKenna Long.

Mayor Richard Smith noted state police will likely now provide law enforcement coverage for Picture Rocks.

“PSP has contacted us about a transfer of police services,” he said.

In other matters, council approved its annual donation of $27,000 to the Hughesville Vol. Fire Department for EMS coverage.

Fire Chief Dan Dorman reported to council that the department responded to 738 EMS calls and 203 fire calls this year.

The EMS calls, he noted, show an increase from 2024.

Municipal officials acknowledged that some residents failed to move their vehicles from streets following the recent snowfall, making it difficult for plowing.

Residents who fail to comply with the ordinance to move vehicles can be cited.

Cale noted that “reasonable” measures by law enforcement should be considered for new borough residents who may not be aware of the ordinance.

Council approved the following meeting dates for 2026: Jan. 5, 26; Feb. 9, 23; March 9, 23; April 13, 27; May 11; June 8, 22; July 13, 27, Aug. 10, 24; Sept. 14, 21; Oct. 12, 26; Nov. 9, 23; and Dec. 14, 28.

Council voted to cancel this year’s Dec. 22 meeting.

In personnel matters, council approved Bill Edner for another term on the water authority board.