Lewis Run officials learned this week that they’re being hit by higher than anticipated sewer costs next year–– but they’re not passing that increase on to the borough taxpayers.

Instead, borough council decided to cover those added costs –– amounting to $9,000 –– and approved advertising the proposed spending plan during a meeting on Tuesday evening. The general fund totals more than $353,500.

The borough’s sewer department proposed budget increased by $9,000 than originally budgeted, thanks to a major Bradford Sanitary Authority sewer treatment plant rehabilitation project, treasurer Joanne Caldwell said after the meeting. Initially, the borough had $60,000 earmarked.

“It’s going to all of the municipalities,” Caldwell said of the higher cost, including Lewis Run Borough.

The borough council also approved advertising the 2017 tax ordinance, which carries the same rate as last year, 4.25 mills.

“We’re able to keep it (the budget) on an even keel,” said Borough Council President Irv Swartz.

Borough council has also earmarked money for the possible purchase of a vehicle to be used for the water department, road department and other borough-related matters.

For 2017, officials plan to spend $1,500 for playground improvements, which include replacing mulch and making the separate playground areas into one large site.

Plans also call for repairing ditches on Lincoln Drive. The proposed budget also includes $4,000 for snow and ice removal.

Included in the proposed budget is $20,000 in engineering costs, though that money might not be used, Caldwell previously said.

Also at the meeting, Swartz announced the borough will apply for grant funding to reconstruct Main Street, from the bridge to High Street.  The grant would cover 100 percent of the project and would commence in 2018. The estimated cost is $700,000, according to Caldwell.

The meeting also involved the announcement that the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department will hold bingo at the firehall at 7 p.m. Nov.  10, Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8.