SMETHPORT — Property and per capita taxes in Smethport Borough for 2018 will remain unchanged under two ordinances the borough council adopted Monday.

With four members present, the minimum for a quorum, council approved both measures on 4-0 votes.

The tax rate for general revenue purposes stays at .665 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation, or the sum of .0665 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation.

For fire protection, the rate is .325 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation, or .0325 cents of each $100 of assessed valuation.

Meanwhile, the levy for the Hamlin Memorial Library continues at .10 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation, or .01 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation.

This ordinance allows a two percent discount for those taxpayers who pay the entire amount within two months after the date of the tax notice. A ten percent penalty is charged on those taxes that remain unpaid four months following the date of the tax notice.

All borough residents 18 years of age and older citizens are subject to the $5.00 per capita tax.

Although the subject of the garbage contract was on this meeting’s agenda, council didn’t discuss it during the public session. At council’s November meeting, Smethport Disposal Services LLC, which collects residential garbage, requested a rate increase citing higher costs for fuel and several types of insurance. President Greg Rounsville said, “We want to look further into this matter.”

In other business, council agreed to advertise an ordinance that would abolish the office of the borough’s elected auditors since an independent firm has audited the municipal accounts for approximately the past ten years. This issue is to be discussed further at an adjourned meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19.

Council met in an executive session for 90 minutes to discuss legal and personnel issues.