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t the Denver Borough Council meeting on October 14, council members Lee Ritz and Andrew Brubaker were absent. The borough's draft budget for 2025 was discussed, which includes a proposed real estate tax increase of 5.1% from 3.70 to 3.89 mills and a water rate hike from $8 to $8.25 per 1,000 gallons.

    According to the budget, the increased tax rate would result in a higher tax bill for residents. For example, if your property is assessed at $100,000, your tax bill would increase by $19 to $389. Borough Manager Michael Hession explained that most of the revenue from the rate increase will go towards addressing costs driven by inflation and paying down the Washington Street loan.

    The council approved a resolution to appoint Herbein and Company Inc. as the independent auditor for 2025 at a cost of $14,400. They also approved executing the borough's 2025 minimum municipal obligation worksheet, which is required by the state to ensure the borough has budgeted for its pension obligations.

    Interim Director Laura Russell from the Adamstown Area Library attended the meeting to share the library's activities over the past year. The library serves residents in Denver Borough and surrounding areas, with 42% of cardholders residing in Denver. The council will meet again on October 28 at 7 p.m.