No tax increase for Columbia but only by draining reserves

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Council might avoid raising taxes for 2026 but only by depleting the borough’s financial reserves.

After a meandering discussion at Thursday’s budget meeting, council members informally agreed to advertise the budget “as is,” presumably meaning no increase in taxes. No millage increase was proposed.

As it currently stands, council will need to cover a projected $1.1 million shortfall by draining the borough’s reserve fund, which currently holds that amount—if it wants to avoid a tax increase. 

The move means Columbia will enter the new year with no emergency funds and no financial cushion for unexpected expenses that may arise during 2026.

Council will likely vote to advertise the budget at its next meeting on November 25 and vote to pass the budget sometime in December.

Deeds Recorded—Columbia Borough—November 17, 2025

Katherine A. Perry conveyed 1035 Chestnut St. to Kenneth Edmonds for $310,000.

Ester Fares conveyed 224 Cedar St. to 248 S. Quince St. LLC for $1.

The estate of Carolyn R. Brass conveyed 233 N. Fourth St. to Meley Kathleen A, Meley Patricia M. for $229,900.

Johnson Angie L, Sload Angie L. conveyed 636 Manor St. to Waites Tyler, Manning Elizabeth, Garrison Tyler for $185,000.

Robitaille Investments LLC conveyed 20 N. Fifth St. to Dandre Harvey for $320,000.

Sheriff of Lancaster County PA, Colon Carlos R. Rivera conveyed 919 Spruce St. to Bank M&T for $140,600.

Blueprints For Addiction Recovery Inc. conveyed 1133 Lancaster Ave. to Archduke Investments LLC for $320,000.

Ohrel Anthony E, Ohrel Donna P. conveyed 310 N. 11th St. to Matthew Ohrel for $1.

The estate of Schmitt Sandra J. Est., Schmitt Sandra Jean conveyed 638 Manor St. to Diaz Lissette Martinez, Bernal Ernesto Garcia for $225,000.

About Town—November 16, 2025

 This week’s photos of Columbia 

Click on photos to see larger, sharper images. 

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY

Two sheriffs in town

On the 600 block of Walnut Street 

More progress at the Linden Street Build 

*****************

Construction at the Von Hess building 

Red, white, blue, and green

Dust storm on South 4th

Casualties of the wind

Still working on the tracks

Life Lion flies over Columbia quite often.

Living Stones lends a hand.

Digging it at McGinness 

South 6th in the morning 

Real pumpkins

Virtual pumpkins 

Sunrise

Rising Sun

Afternoon golden hour 

Sunset

Morning sky

Books at the town square 

More night shots about town . . .

More night shots about town . . .

###