H
awley Borough Council is preparing a 2025 budget with a "minimal" tax increase, according to Council President Ann Monaghan. The proposed tax hike amounts to just over one-tenth of a mill, 0.115. For a property assessed at $100,000, this means real estate taxes will rise by $11.50, from $348.37 in 2024 to $359.87 on the 2025 spring tax bill.

    The proposed 2025 real estate tax rate is 3.5987 mills, up from 3.4837 in 2024. The council plans to adopt the draft budget of $643,450 at a special meeting on December 23. This represents an increase from the 2024 total of $598,235.

    The general purposes tax and ambulance tax millage will both rise by .015 mills, while street light taxes will also see a .015 mill increase. Taxes for the fire department and parks and recreation remain stable. The proposed real estate tax is expected to generate $393,342.98 from Hawley's estimated 1,221 residents and $109,301,410 in taxable real estate.

    Additionally, there is a 28-mill occupation tax generating $3,085.60 and a $5/person tax on the population aged 18 and above (725 people in 2024). The council has also approved raising the initial parking meter fine from $5 to $10, with subsequent increases if unpaid.

    The borough is planning a housing development near the water tower off Water Street, which was first discussed two years ago. However, the developer wants an on-site septic system, while the borough ordinance requires connection to the central sewer system. The council has also applied for a $20,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Outdoor Town program to enhance the downtown economy and connect with natural assets.