Though minimal, West Penn Township residents will see an increase in their municipal tax rate for the first time in nearly two decades.

Supervisors unanimously agreed Monday morning to advertise the 2024 proposed budget with a quarter-mill increase, which if passed next month, would raise the millage rate from 4.50 to 4.75 mills.

Township treasurer Karen Wittig told the board during a budget workshop that after several changes, the budget is balanced at $2,574,451.

Wittig said the shortfall was at just about $100,000, and that a quarter-mill increase would generate about $32,000. Before that, the projected shortfall was $189,000.

Supervisor Glenn Hummel said his fear is that with the township’s expenses having increased by 25%, if it were to continue that trend, the township would be in trouble.

Supervisor Tim Houser took it a step further.

“We’re in good financial shape,” Houser said. “But, I agree with Glenn; there’s going to be a really rude awakening if we stay status quo.”

Houser stressed that while the township is in good standing, “somewhere down the road, things aren’t going to (look that good).”

Board Chairman Tony Prudenti said it may be time for the township to “start thinking outside the box to create revenue.”

Houser said the township is at the point where it just about has its back against the wall from cutting and squeezing.

Hummel said he just can’t see departments having a 25% increase.

“In a three-year period, you’ve jumped $400,000,” Hummel said. “That’s a lot of money.”

Prudenti added, “the only thing we can do is try to be prepared for it.”

The last time the township had a tax increase was in 2005.