Lansdale officials have taken another step toward raising taxes next year. Borough Council voted this week to advertise its 2011 preliminary budget.  It calls for nearly $30 million in spending and a property tax hike that will cost the average homeowner about $160 more.  Borough Manager Timi Kirchner says the additional revenue is needed to fill a funding gap in the capital budget.

“We’re bringing two new officers onto the police force.  They need police cars, and that’s part of this capital budget.  We have certain improvements in our procedures that must be put in place because right now there’s no accountability in the system and no strong internal controls.”

Borough Council plans to vote on a final budget December 15.