Whitehall Township's 8,000 property owners will soon receive their 2015 garbage collection and real estate tax bills, Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers said.

The good news for residents is that neither the refuse collection nor property tax rates have been raised, something the administration and board of commissioners promised the public when budget talks were held and the budget was adopted in December.

Another financial positive is that the township will not have to seek a tax anticipation loan from a banking institution, as was the case previously when the economy tumbled.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the improved nature of the economy has benefitted the township's bottom line.

Meyers said monthly receipts from the earned income tax will help the township meet payroll and pay real estate tax receipts and refuse collection fees.

He also said property owners will be given a 2-percent discount on their garbage bills if they pay by April 30, after which the net amount is due. A penalty fee is charged if the bill remains outstanding.

Seniors 70 and older receive a 25-percent discount on their garbage bills if paid by April 30.

While refuse collection bills have not increased, the township will pay for the wheeled toter carts that will be implemented with the new refuse collection system in place this year. It is expected the new system will lower refuse collection bills for property owners in 2017.