Walnutport residents could be in the fourth straight year of no tax increase.

Councilwoman Jen Wentz said Thursday she was pleased with how next year’s spending plan is coming together.

“We actually look (to be in) pretty good shape,” Wentz said. “Right now, we do not (expect) a tax increase.”

Wentz said last year council raised the rate for part-time police officers.

She then raised the possibility of another .50 cent or $1 per hour raise in next year’s budget.

Mayor Wayne Weidner was on board with that.

“We cannot get any help, and we cannot compete with other municipalities because they’re giving more,” Weidner said. “To me, if we can stretch that dollar ... because we’re lagging behind.”

Wentz said the current budget shows a deficit of just under $32,000, but added that doesn’t include the rollover.

“I think we did a really good job of holding,” she said. “I think the department heads did a really good job.”

Wentz said she will ask for a tax increase at next month’s council meeting “because you have to.”

But that doesn’t mean Wentz foresees a tax increase next year.

“I can kind of safely say I don’t anticipate one,” she said.

The budget will be on the agenda when council meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

Last December council passed this year’s budget with no tax increase, leaving it at 19.25 mills.

That marked the third straight year borough residents did not see an increase.