URGENT UPDATE: Schuylkill Haven has officially welcomed its new mayor and key leadership changes, signaling a fresh start for the borough as it gears up for 2026. John Williams, a longtime councilman, was sworn in as mayor during a pivotal meeting on January 5, 2026.
Tom Gordon, previously serving as acting president, has now been confirmed as the president of the council, with D. Edward Dress stepping in as vice president. The leadership changes are crucial for residents as the borough faces significant operational adjustments.
Three key figures in the fire department were also sworn in: Fire Chief Keith Sweigert, Deputy Chief Trent Zulick, and Assistant Chief Tyler Donatti, enhancing public safety leadership amidst ongoing community needs.
In addition to the new mayor and council roles, council members Jesse Kavanaugh and Bill Luckenbill joined the council, marking a shift in local governance aimed at driving future initiatives. However, the council did not fill all existing vacancies, postponing this decision to the next meeting on January 21.
Residents should also take note of new ordinances passed during the meeting, including a 7% increase in electric rates and a $1 monthly increase in refuse fees, bringing the total to $29. These changes will impact local households and businesses, making it essential for community members to stay informed.
Administrative positions were reaffirmed, with Kaitlyn Tinari continuing as borough secretary, Ashley Bieski as treasurer, and Jessica Seiders as administrator. The borough has also retained key engineering and legal support, choosing Entech Engineering for water and sewer engineering and Utility Engineers for electrical services.
As Schuylkill Haven transitions into this new leadership phase, residents are encouraged to engage with their local representatives and stay updated on the council’s upcoming decisions. The changes made today lay the groundwork for the borough’s future, impacting local governance and community services.
Stay tuned for more developments as Schuylkill Haven navigates these significant shifts in leadership and policy.
