New Milford Borough Council approves 2026 budget

11-26

NEW MILFORD — The 2026 New Milford Borough Council budget was approved unanimously at the Nov. 20 New Milford Borough Council meeting. Taxpayers will be happy to know that the millage remains the same at 5.3 mills, which includes a 2 mill allocation for fire. Council members expressed that it was a “good budget,” and they appreciated all the work that went into it.
Communication from Susquehanna County Interfaith requesting a donation for their Christmas program was met with a $100 donation. Blue Ridge food pantry also requested a donation, due to the pantry’s increased demand to provide food to the needy. The council agreed on a $250 donation. Also seeking help, “Toys-N-Tots” was granted a donation of $150. This program is not to be confused with the “Toys for Tots,” promoted by the Marines. The “Toys-N-Tots” program is in its 28th year of serving.
The council received nine bids on the 2016 Ford 556 super duty truck. The truck comes with the plow and much more. It only has 12,000 miles registered. Bids for the old truck ranged from $8,795 to $41,100. The truck was sold to the highest bidder of $41,100 from Jack Dalton of Stracca, PA.
The Johnson Street Bridge status is still on hold according to the engineer. The Maple Street Bridge is also on hold and currently has weekly inspections in October. Council entered a cooperation agreement with Susquehanna County Housing Authority to administer the grant for Maple Street. The repair of the pipe under Delaware Street will be replaced by the owner of the Delaware Street location. The catch basin will also be taken care of at that time.
Parks and Recreation Chair Karen Gudykunst reported that the final concrete has been poured at the Midtown Park and it settled well with no issues.
New Milford Mayor Scott Smith reported he will have a meeting in January with Great Bend Mayor Jim Reicki concerning the hours and police coverage information for 2026. Smith also added a hearty “thank you and great job” to Chuck Welch and NEP for putting up the Christmas lights and decorations throughout New Milford Borough. Don Button added that it “looks really nice,” and he liked the snowflakes. Several council members agreed, mentioning the Christmas tree is very pretty.
Secretary Amy Hine relayed that the grant for Blue Ridge Park and Playground has been turned into the state and council is awaiting the results. Hine and Council President Kerin Welch worked on this grant resolution for the park and playground for an amount of $7,010. Solicitor Mike Briechle responded to a letter from the council informing them that council member pay would be affected if too many missed meetings. Unexcused Council meetings were logged. Excused absences include illness, illness close family, travel, and family or personal emergency. Council passed this ordinance #220 unanimously.
Mayor Smith reminded council members that the re-organizational meeting for 2026 will be held on the first Monday of the new year, January 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. December’s meeting will be on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
The New Milford Borough Council meets on the third Thursday of the month at promptly 6:30 p.m. in the New Milford Borough building, located on Main Street in New Milford Borough.