Whitehall Township on Friday rolled out a proposed $21.5 million budget for 2016. Property owners, for the fourth consecutive year, will not have their real estate taxes raised. The 2.8 millage rate reflects an improving economy and a rebounding employment factor, according to Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., who submitted the tentative budget to the board of commissioners.

The commissioners will hold budget hearings Oct. 27, 28 and 29, at which the department’s proposed spending will be reviewed.

The commissioners will vote at their December meeting to adopt the 2016 budget.

“This proposed budget is fiscally conservative and reflects our long-term goals and mission for Whitehall Township,” Hozza said.

The mayor said the budget is “balanced,” noting it was formulated by township bureau chiefs and reviewed and approved by Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers to proceed to commissioners.

A property with an appraised $175,000 assessment will pay $490 in township real state taxes in 2016, the same amount billed in 2015.

“The proposed 2016 spending plan returns our township to pre-great recession capital reserve investment in street, alley and bridge reconstruction, replacement of vehicles and heavy equipment, technology upgrades, park and pool repairs - including the Parkview Pool in Hokendauqua - and the new fire apparatus for Station 37 in West Catasauqua,” said Hozza.

The planned 2016 capital reserve investment is $2 million. The total debt level will drop to $2.3 million next year, and Hozza described the township’s unreserved fund balance as “healthy.”

General fund revenue for 2016 is estimated at $18,798,437; expenditures at $21,555,234, along with a beginning balance of $5,971,331 and an ending balance of $3,214,534; real estate taxes to yield $6.1 million; earned income taxes anticipated at $5.1 million; and garbage fees expected to be $2.4 million.

Under public works, a $5,764,414 budget for street improvements and microsurfacing repairs is proposed for several areas, including Chestnut Street, Overlook Road, Congress Street and Orchard Drive. Additional streets are also included in these proposed improvements.

Replacements of a dump truck, a pickup bed truck and two cars for the public works department are also proposed.

The police department’s proposed budget for 2016 is $5,158,035 and includes $4,317,760 in salaries, $430,000 in overtime pay, replacement of two patrol cars, an in-car camera system for 15 vehicles and other various police equipment.

A $461,869 budget is proposed for the fire department and includes a varied upgrade of hoses and other equipment and replacement of the top coating of its training grounds.

The park and recreation board’s $911,088 budget includes funding for three pools, Camp Whitehall and other programs and maintenance provided to the community.