Whitehall Township residents are expected to receive an early Christmas present next week when the board of commissioners votes to adopt the administration’s proposed $21.5 million budget for 2016. For the fourth consecutive year, the budget does not include an increase in property taxes. The 2.8 millage rate is unchanged.

Commissioners President Linda Snyder, at the board’s workshop Monday, read the first item on the agenda, the proposed 2016 budget. Snyder then moved to other items after the commissioners had no comments on the spending plan.

An official vote will occur at the Dec. 14 meeting.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. complied with the township’s home rule charter by submitting the spending plan and proposed receipts by the Oct. 15 deadline. Hozza described the 2016 budget as fiscally conservative while at the same time meeting the township’s mission and goals.

In other news, when crafting the proposed budget, Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers indicated a new fire truck for West Catasauqua Fire Company is in the spending plan. In fact, at the Dec. 14 meeting, the commissioners will vote on a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2016 Pierce Enforcer pumper unit. The fire company is building an addition to its fire station for the new equipment.

Looking ahead to the upcoming meeting, the board will likely vote on legislation for residential permit parking in Fullerton along Third, Second, Grape and Chestnut streets and sections of Quarry Street.