Whitehall Township’s Oct. 13 release of its proposed 2018 budget - totaling $22.7 million - had nothing to do with Friday the 13th superstitions, but more with the Home Rule Charter mandate that the plan be made public by Oct. 15, which, this year, fell on a Sunday.

The budget, which now goes to the board of commissioners for hearings, spells good news for residents - in particular, in terms of property tax, garbage assessment and earned income tax.

“The proposed 2018 budget calls for no increase in the current township millage tax rate of 2.80 mills, which has remained at that level since 2011,” Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said.

An average township home assessed at $150,000 will pay $420 in township real estate taxes - the same amount as this year. The township earned income tax rate of 1 percent (Whitehall-Coplay School District is 0.50 percent, for a combined rate of 1.50 percent) has remained the same for the last seven years.

Further welcomed news is the $300 annual garbage bill will not be hiked.

In presenting the proposed budget, Hozza said, “the budget is balanced,” crediting the bureau chiefs for formulating their budgets, compiled by Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers and with Hozza’s final review and approval.

Hozza mentioned the budget is forward in its approach to meeting the township’s needs and added the “conservative” makeup bodes well for Whitehall Township and its residents.

As with any budget, there are references to big-ticket items; the 2018 budget is no exception.

The reconstruction of Coplay Road is projected to cost $500,000 - with funding from the state liquid fuels subsidy, not local property taxes.

A new vehicle for the fire chief, costing $79,000, and the arrival of a new firetruck for the Egypt station, both of which were approved this year, are included.

“A major capital expense faces us with the future replacement of the aerial truck,” Hozza said. “Estimates are $1.2 million.”

Public works’ major equipment purchases include replacing a street sweeper, backhoe and commercial-grade mower.

A slide for Jefferson Pool in Fullerton, automated external defibrillators for all three township pools, lifeguard stands for two pools and roof replacements at Cementon Community Center and Parkview Pool bath house are projects also included in the budget.

A concern mentioned in the proposed budget is the mandated pollution reduction plan, a discussion the mayor said must occur in budget deliberations and which could require nearly $1 million.

“I trust that you will find this 2018 budget to be an ambitious plan, seeking to replace an aging infrastructure and equipment, retaining staff levels and providing the financial wherewithal for our departments to meet the needs for government services,” Hozza said.

The police department roster is proposed to increase from 46 to 47 officers.

“Capital costs are significant. Five vehicle replacements (four SUVs and one truck) are proposed,” Hozza said.

There is $22,787,837 projected as total expenditures, a 2.54-percent increase from the present $22,222,833.

In the budget, earned income taxes lead with $6,477,210, followed closely with $6,146,972 anticipated in property taxes; $1,812,034 in business privilege taxes; $597,607 in local service tax receipts; $626,110 from real estate transfer taxes; and a $433,577 yield in TV cable franchise fees.