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WEST PITTSTON — The borough council approved the first reading of the proposed 2017 budget, which keeps the tax rate the same as last year.

The budget will be voted on at a special public meeting on Dec. 20. The tax rate for the $7,288,197 budget remains at 3.26 mills. A mill is $1 in tax for every $1,000 in assessed property value.

The council also approved an ordinance to amend the borough’s vehicle and traffic code.

The amendment will allow the borough to install stop signs where needed, as well as lower the speed limit on certain streets, according to Solicitor Mark Bufalino.

“It’s really more bolt tightening than anything,” he said. “It’s not a major change for the residents, but just a little bit of bolt tightening to make sure the way that traffic flows in the borough is a little bit easier than what normally people (are used to.)”

In other business, council members approved:

• A motion to fix, set and advertise public monthly council meetings for 2017. The council’s regular meetings will be the first Tuesday of every month with work sessions on the third Tuesday of every month.

• Appointing PNC Bank and Fidelity Bank as official bank depositories for the 2017 fiscal year.

• Entering into a Greenway Trails and Recreation Grant Agreement in the amount of $56,661 for improvements on Baltimore Avenue Park.

• Restricting parking on the south side of Wyoming Avenue from the intersection of Luzerne Avenue a distance of 228 feet near Agolino’s Restaurant.

• Closing the borough recycling center on Dec. 24 and opening it on Dec. 27.

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By Jimmy Fisher

[email protected]

WHAT’S NEXT

The West Pittston Borough Council will hold a special public meeting to approve the 2017 budget at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the municipal building, 555 Exeter Ave. The regular monthly meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3.

Reach Jimmy Fisher at 570-704-3972 or on Twitter @SD_JimmyFisher