Whitehall Township is beginning preparation of the proposed 2015 budget.

The annual process culminates in December when the board of commissioners votes on it, setting the millage rate for property owners.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said it's "too early" to say whether the township can avoid a tax hike this year.

The township did not raise property taxes for 2014. The millage rate is 2.80 mills.

Township department chiefs are presently preparing lists of their departments' anticipated needs and expenditures for 2015. The requests, at times referred to as "wish lists," are pored over by the administration. Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers crunches the numbers.

Hozza said the home rule charter requires the administration meet an Oct. 15 deadline for submitting the proposed budget and the mayor's message to the commissioners.

Commissioners President Linda Snyder will lead budget hearings in late October and November. Department chiefs and the administration attend the budget hearings to provide input and ask questions. The hearings are open to the public.

The commissioners must approve the 2015 budget in December.