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- Summary: Meeting Overview The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer by Richard Brantner…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2025-12-01
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/MNB2512.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/december-18a995/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Meeting Overview The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance. Officials Present: Council: Mayor Richard Brantner, President P. Robert Dickson, Vice-President Edward L. Bennett, Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger, Councilman James C. Dell, Councilman Mark K. Gartland, Councilman Neil E. Gartland, and Councilman Darin B. Meck. Staff & Others: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Patrolman Troy Jarrett, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from Evy Black Attorneys and the Morristons Cove Herald. Financial Reports & Budget Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial reports for November 2025. List of Bills: The council approved bills totaling $76,803. 74 (check nos. 11963-11989). This amount includes $53,000 in transfers to the Reserve Fund. 2026 Budget: The council adopted the 2026 budget on a motion by Neil Gartland. Notably, this budget requires no real estate tax increase . New Vehicle Purchase: Manager Rich Brantner suggested ordering a new truck immediately due to a 4-5 month lead time. The council authorized the purchase of a New F350 Truck , to be paid for from the 2026 budget. The old 2013 dump truck will be retained for a new employee to use in the spring. Ordinances & Tax Rates Attorney Nathan Karn advised that roll call votes were required for tax ordinances. The following were adopted unanimously: Ordinance No. 2025-652 (Per Capita Tax): Maintains the rate at $5. 00. Ordinance No. 2025-653 (Earned Income Tax): Maintains the rate at ½ of 1 percent . Ordinance No. 2025-654 (Local Services Tax): Maintains the rate at $52 . Resolution No. 2025-1201-01 (Real Estate Tax): Maintains the rate at 1. 967 mills. Police Department Updates Patrolman Troy Jarrett presented the police report. Key points included: Chief Davis apologized for his absence. Resignation: The council accepted the resignation of Patrolman Tom Lykens, effective January 1, 2026. The council expressed gratitude for his service during a period when the department was down to one full-time officer. Borough Manager’s Report Manager Rich Brantner provided updates on recent borough activities: Nov 5: Power was lost in some areas due to high winds, affecting the Hoover Drive lift station and water plant. Nov 13: Attended the 100th Anniversary recognition ceremony for the Boosters at Homewood. Nov 14: Christmas decorations were installed on phone poles along Allegheny and Market Streets. Nov 19: A planned power outage occurred from 9:45 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. for high-tension wire upgrades, affecting ~700 customers. A warming center was provided. Nov 24: Christmas wreaths were installed on lamp posts. Letters were sent to residents regarding the new EMS service starting in 2026. Nov 26: Met with Booster members regarding 2026 activities for the country’s 250th anniversary, including an Agricultural Parade and mural sprucing. Administrative Decisions Exonerations: The council authorized the exonerations of twenty-seven individuals for the 2025-26 Per Capita Tax. Spring Cleanup: Scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. Agenda Distribution: Due to a lack of insurance coverage for employees using personal vehicles for borough business, the council approved emailing out the monthly agenda instead of hand-delivering printed copies. Executive Session: An executive session to discuss legal matters was held following the adjournment of the public meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p. m.