Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners breezed through the proposed 2016 budget at two sessions, Oct. 27 and 28, to give their input to the administration’s proposed $21.5 million budget. A third session, scheduled for Oct. 29, was not needed.

Property owners, for the fourth consecutive year, will not have their property taxes hiked; the 2.8 millage rate is unchanged.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. stated that while the proposed budget is fiscally conservative, the township met its goals and mission. He lauded each department head and bureau chief for the performance shown in the present budget and for their 2016 budget submission.

In crafting the 2016 budget, Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers said the fire department and the West Catasauqua Fire Company committee finished reviewing costs for a new Pierce fire truck. Both sides have reached an agreement to pare $54,705 off the truck’s cost.

“That’s good news,” Commissioner Phillips Armstrong said.

The commissioners will vote on awarding a contract for the purchase of the truck before the year ends. Delivery of the vehicle will take 10 months.

It was mentioned the next replacement of fire apparatus - the aerial fire truck for Fullerton Fire Company - is scheduled for 2017.

Public works Director John Rackus offered a suggestion to save the township money, saying his personnel could provide flag services during street improvements in 2016 instead of hiring specific flag persons directing traffic. Rackus also said nova chipping would be used for road improvements on some streets.

In another proposal by Rackus, the commissioners agreed that a milling machine rented annually for $55,000 could be leased for the same amount, and after five years, the township would have ownership of the large piece of equipment.

“It’s not like we are going to run out of roads,” Commissioners Vice President Philip Ginder said of Rackus’ proposal.

Police Chief Linda Kulp was commended for police officers stabilizing overtime utilized. Kulp also mentioned two patrol cars are being replaced. Currently, the police vehicle fleet includes 15 cars and SUVs. Kulp also said there are no plans for police to have body cameras nor does she favor them.

Hozza related that radar equipment, which municipalities have long sought for traffic enforcement regarding speeding, may soon be available with Harrisburg’s approval. Currently, Pennsylvania is the only state that prohibits the use of such equipment by municipal police departments.

Commissioners President Linda Snyder asked each department head and bureau chief if there was anything additional needed in the budget. All replied they were satisfied.