West Penn continues review of spending plan

West Penn Township continues to be in full numbers-crunch mode in relation to next year’s spending plan.

The township’s board of supervisors held their second workshop on the 2019 budget Monday morning.

Supervisors again went over figures for the road department with township roadmaster Singleton Harvey.

However, no decisions were made, as supervisors merely reviewed several items.

Last month, Harvey told the board he would like an additional $50,000 for the bridge fund, and another $20,000 for highway maintenance.

Supervisors at that time also agreed to budget for 30 signs to replace ones that were missing.

The board previously reviewed line items with township police Chief Brian Johnson, who said there were no increases in the police department’s budget.

Board Chairman Tony Prudenti said last month he would like to see a potential increase in police officers’ pay rates.

However, Prudenti proclaimed, “I am not raising taxes.”

Supervisors will hold their next budget workshop after the next monthly morning meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 19.

In December, supervisors agreed to adopt this year’s budget with no tax increase.

The $2.3 million spending plan left the millage rate unchanged at 4.75 mills.

However, as part of this year’s spending plan, supervisors agreed to give an extra $5,000 to both the township’s fire department and ambulance department.