Hempfield supervisors this week approved a preliminary budget that does not increase property taxes for the 31st consecutive year.

The proposed $13.4 million budget was unanimously approved by supervisors during a public meeting Monday, said township Manager Jason Winters. Supervisors have been discussing the budget for months after the coronavirus pandemic caused the township to lose several revenue streams.

Revenues for earned income tax, real estate tax, building permits and recreation fees are still dropping compared to last year’s numbers, Melanie Phillips, director of finance, said last month. In April, Phillips suggested freezing part of the budget, saving the township $750,000. Still, by August, the township was facing an $800,000 deficit.

To help makeup for those shortfalls, reduced costs from department heads were included in the preliminary budget.

Proposed reductions include $230,000 in general government costs, $6,100 in fire and emergency management, $62,000 in code and safety, $387,000 in public works and $157,000 in parks and recreation. Another $300,000 will be made up through projected casino revenue once Live! Casino Pittsburgh opens at Westmoreland Mall, officials said.

Also on Monday’s agenda was the preliminary capital budget. When Phillips presented the budget last month, it included capital projects totaling more than $12.3 million, with projects ranging from storm water management to bridge inspections and repairs.

Supervisors this month tabled a vote on the budget until next month. In the meantime, a special meeting is scheduled for tonight to further discuss the budget. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the township municipal building.

Supervisors will vote during the December meeting on a final version of the budgets.

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