PROSPECT — Borough council members dismissed a possible business tax and approved the purchase of truck at Tuesday's meeting.

Council president Bill Katz introduced the idea that the borough could implement an annual tax on companies that conduct business in its municipality.

“(The tax) would be a one-time yearly fee for the right to have a business in town,” Katz said.

The idea was discussed and dismissed before a motion could be put forth.

Nick Vaccarello, a council member, said the tax would cause an unnecessary risk of losing some businesses, including smaller stores like the Corner Store.

“The grocery business is hard enough to stay in,” he said. “I think it's counterproductive, especially in a small town like this.”

Mayor Jim Butler estimated that the tax would generate about $500 per year, if the borough implemented the $25 fee suggested by Katz. Butler said such a small yield wouldn't be worth the possible negative impact the tax might have on borough businesses.

Council did vote to purchase a new 2018 Ford F-350 truck with an expandable plow. The borough also added the cost of attaching the salt spreader it bought last year, bringing the total expense to $39,283.

Council members unanimously approved the ordering of the truck, which could take two months to arrive.

George Simcic III, the maintenance supervisor, said the new truck would serve as the borough's all-around vehicle. Simcic said the current truck is nearly 15 years old, and the replacement was needed. Council will decide later if the truck should be undercoated.

“Either of the options sounds good to me,” he said. “I'm just happy to have a new truck.”