corrected title

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.