The proposed Whitehall Township 2014 budget titled, "A Continued Investment in Technology, Equipment and Infrastructure," has officially been released.

The spending plan maintains real estate taxes at the present rate of 2.80 mills, meaning it proposes no increase in property taxes.

A property owner with an assessment of $175,000 would be billed $490. The amount is less if paid within the discount period.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. presented the budget, formulated by Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers and township bureau chiefs. Over the past several weeks, Hozza reviewed and approved the document which must be approved by the board of commissioners.

The board will hold public hearings on the budget Oct. 29, 30 and 31. Adoption of the budget by the commissioners is expected to take place in December.

"The proposed 2014 spending plan is an investment in technology upgrades which will allow staff to work smarter, not harder, continue to replace aging equipment and continue to improve our infrastructure, namely our streets, our parks and storm water removal systems," Hozza said.

"Six years ago, the Great Recession began, caused by the near collapse of our banking institutions and the subprime mortgage debacle," Hozza added. "Our township reacted by initiating a nonuniform hiring freeze, curtailed capital projects [and] equipment purchases and operated in a reactionary mode until the economy rebounded. While we cut non-fixed operational expenses, we also made tough decisions in raising revenue needed to continue to provide the services that our taxpaying residents expect."

The major expense proposed for 2014 is $365,046 for reconstruction of Columbia Street from South Church Street to Ringer Road. The project was to include Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, but Lehigh County for the first time in many years withdrew CDBG funding to the township.

Other major road projects totaling $585,842 include Center Street from South Ruch to Sixth Avenue, South Ruch Street from Center to Chestnut, and Wilson Street from Route 329 to Spruce Street.

The public works budget replaces a dump truck and sign truck and includes the repair of storm water systems on 11th Street.

The revenue totals $19.02 million and anticipates $6.1 million in real estate taxes, $5.1 million in earned income taxes, $1.6 million in business privilege taxes and $2.45 million in garbage fees.

The commissioners will each receive $4,125 in compensation, which is the same as in 2013.

Hozza's salary is proposed at $85,301 in 2014, representing an increase of 2 percent.

Deputy Mayor Meyers would receive $83,809, which includes a 2.5-percent increase.

Police officers will see a 2.5-percent boost in their paychecks because of the terms of a new contract.

Most officers will receive an annual salary of $74,385 to $77,329. New officers will receive $59,461 and the chief will be paid $95,717.

In addition, police receive extra pay for longevity.

Most nonuniformed employees, who are not part of a bargaining unit, will receive raises of 2.5 percent.

Along with electronic upgrades for the police department, two patrol cars will be replaced. The fire department will receive helmets, a computer at Station 38 and other equipment such as telescopic ladders.

Another $50,000 is set aside for work on the Cementon Pool parking lot.