No property tax increase in Hempfield's preliminary 2019 budget

In keeping with tradition, Hempfield Township will not raise property taxes in 2019.

A preliminary version of the township’s $13.6 million spending plan maintains the current millage rate of 3 mills. The township has had that rate in place since 1990.

The budget includes a 2 percent pay increase for employees who are not under a contract, said manager Jason Winters.

The township’s 12 fire departments will be the focus of $1.75 million in extra spending. Winters said $50,000 is earmarked for a comprehensive plan that will examine the fire departments and public safety. The plan will be completed next year.

Two new aerial fire trucks will be purchased at $850,000 each for Adamsburg and Bovard fire departments, he said.

Supervisors will vote Dec. 17 on a final version of the plan.

Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta at 724-837-5374, rsignorini@tribweb.com or via Twitter @byrenatta.