Hellertown Borough Council tackled a full agenda Dec. 1, ranging from the approval of a new daytime fire company staffing program to honoring a retiring borough employee with 21 years of service.
Fire Company Staffing Program Approved
Council unanimously approved a daytime stipend program for Dewey Fire Company volunteers, addressing a growing challenge in providing emergency response coverage.
According to borough documents, the program establishes a crew of three to four volunteer firefighters staffing an engine or truck company Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will receive incentive points worth $100 per 12-hour shift and $12 per incident response, with monthly distributions not exceeding $11,000 per individual.
Dewey Fire Company No. 1 is located at 502 Durham Street, Hellertown, Pa. (FILE PHOTO)
Council explained that the program aims to provide immediate response coverage when most volunteers are at work.
“This is not the solution for the reduction of available volunteers,” said Tom Rieger, Council President. “This is a stopgap measure to give us more time, because under the borough code, we are required to provide fire service.”
Budget Includes Tax Increases
Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft presented the preliminary 2026 budget, which includes a half-mill increase to the general fund and a one-mill increase to the fire fund.
The general fund budget reflects decreased healthcare costs but increased police payroll, accounting for 27 pay periods in 2026. Council also increased its contribution to the borough’s summer playground program by $2,000 at its previous meeting.
The fire fund increase will support the new daytime staffing program along with standard operational costs. Total funding for the fire department includes $147,766 in capital contributions.
Because the budget includes tax increases, an ordinance must be advertised for three consecutive weeks before final adoption at the Dec. 15 council meeting.
Tina Krasnansky Honored for 21 Years of Service
Mayor David Heintzelman presented Finance Officer Tina Krasnansky with a proclamation honoring her retirement after 21 years with the borough.
“After 21 years of dedicated service to the Hellertown borough, Tina Krasnansky is retiring, leaving behind not only an impressive record of accomplishments, but also countless friendships and memories,” Heintzelman read.
The proclamation noted Krasnansky began her borough career in 2004. Heintzelman praised her work, ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability in the borough’s financial operations.
Council approved a $3,700 employee recognition bonus for Krasnansky by unanimous vote.
“You have given your life to this borough,” Heintzelman told Krasnansky.
Krasnansky will officially retire at the end of the year.
Hometown Hero Banner Program Expanded
Council agreed to expand the Hometown Hero banner program to include active-duty police, fire and EMS personnel from the Saucon Valley School District area.
The program previously honored only military veterans and active-duty service members. Hartranft said the expansion is in response to requests from the community and fire department.
Council members agreed to keep the application process first-come, first-served, with banners ordered in blocks of 10.
The banners, which hang on utility poles throughout the borough for two years, cost families approximately $75 each.
Additional Council Actions
New Administrative Assistant Hired – Council approved the appointment of Kristi Curry as administrative assistant, effective Dec. 8.
Engineering RFP Approved – Council authorized sending a Request for Proposals to six to 10 engineering firms for design and final engineering services. The borough received $600,000 in Carbon Reduction Funding to develop improvements at the intersection of Main Street and Polk Valley Road, including enhanced connectivity to the Saucon Rail Trail. PennDOT has vetted the RFP, which requires completion by July 2026 for meeting funding deadlines.
Water Authority Update – The Hellertown Borough Authority has hired John Scully as its new administrator. Scully brings years of experience as a consultant serving smaller municipalities and previously owned a company in the industry before selling it. He is expected to start after the first of the year.
Santa Run Announced – The annual borough Santa Run is set for Sunday, Dec. 14. Dewey Fire crews will be collecting non-perishable food items for Ebenezer Food Pantry while Santa visits neighborhoods.
Rental Inspections Update – Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer Terri Fadem reported 2025 rental inspections are nearing completion, with 142 units included in this year’s phase. Approximately 20 properties still need follow-up inspections and 10 properties have ignored notices to schedule. The 2026 cycle begins in January with 111 rental units scheduled for inspection.
School Board Update – Junior Council Representative Adeline Solt announced upcoming school events, including band concerts on Dec. 11, and the elementary school K-2 “Holiday Joys” performance Dec. 12 in the high school auditorium.
Council’s next meeting is Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., when it is expected that council will vote on final adoption of the 2026 borough budget and tax ordinance.