Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendance:

• Present: President P. Robert Dickson, Vice-President Edward L. Bennett, Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger, Councilmen James C. Dell, Mark K. Gartland, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck.
• Absent: Mayor Richard Brantner.
• Staff Present: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Police Chief Justin Davis, and Attorney Nathan Karn.

Ambulance Service Contract Decision

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the selection of a new ambulance service provider. The current contract with Hollidaysburg expires on December 31, 2025.

• Decision: The Council approved an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Altoona Logan Township Mobile Medical Emergency Department (AMED) for a new ten-year contract.
• Vote: The motion passed with six (6) yays and one (1) nay from Councilman Ed Bennett.
• Rationale: The Ambulance Contract Review Committee, chaired by Charles Kensinger, recommended AMED based on:
  • Cost Savings: AMED’s proposal saves the borough approximately $15,500 annually compared to Hollidaysburg.
  • Transparency: As an authority, AMED is subject to the Sunshine Act, making their meetings and finances public.
  • Professionalism: AMED was deemed to have a more professional proposal and detailed training program.
• Public Comment: Several residents spoke regarding the renewal, with some expressing support for keeping Hollidaysburg Ambulance.

Financial Reports and Budget

Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial reports for October 2025.

• List of Bills: The Council approved check numbers 11923-11962 totaling $142,262. 13. This amount includes transfers to the Reserve Fund totaling $35,000.
• 2026 Budget: The Council approved advertising the 2026-5 Budget for a 10-day public inspection period. There will be no tax increase in the 2026-5 Budget.

Employee Pay Raises

The Council approved the following pay raises for 2026, effective immediately upon adoption:

• $2. 00 Increase: Manager, Police Chief, Borough Secretary/Treasurer.
• $1. 50 Increase: Working Foreman, Clerk.
• $1. 00 Increase: STP Operator, Laborer, Part-time Patrol, Flaggers.

Tax Ordinances for 2026

The Council approved advertising the following tax ordinances with no increases for 2026:

• Real Estate Tax: Resolution No. 2025-1201-01 sets the rate at 1. 967 mills.
• Per Capita Tax: Ordinance No. 2025-652 sets the tax at $5. 00.
• Earned Income Tax: Ordinance No. 2025-653 sets the tax at ½ of 1%.
• Local Services Tax: Ordinance No. 2025-654 sets the tax at $52.

Borough Operations and Updates

• Police Report: Chief Justin Davis reported 99 complaints handled in October. Officer Troy Jarrett graduated from the police academy and began full-time status on October 8, 2025.
• Borough Manager Report:
  • Replaced a fire hydrant at Freightliner Lane (Oct 14).
  • Cleaned the salt saturator tank at the nitrate removal plant (Oct 21).
  • Cleaned basins at the wastewater treatment plant, removing 30 tons of sediment (Oct 22).
  • Blacktopped water leaks (Oct 29).
  • Assisted the fire company with community safety during Trick or Treat (Oct 30).
• Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company: Manager Brantner noted a quiet month. The Council previously voted to increase the fire company’s annual allocation from $10,750 to $16,125 beginning next year.
• Food Bank: Manager Brantner contacted the Martinsburg Food Bank regarding the federal government shutdown; they reported doing well due to donations.

Upcoming Events and Adjournment

• South Central Counties Boroughs Association: The next dinner meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Marzoni’s in Duncansville. Reservations are due by November 21, 2025.
• Council Meeting Dates: The Council approved the meeting schedule for 2026, including dates in January (5th), February (2nd), March (2nd), April (6th), May (4th), June (1st), July (6th), August (3rd), September (8th), October (5th), November (2nd), and December (7th).
• Donation: The Council approved a $500. 00 donation to the 2025 Cove Christmas Love Program.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p. m.