West Penn Township has begun the tedious process of crafting next year’s budget.

Supervisors held their initial budget workshop Monday morning to discuss the 2019 spending plan.

As part of its discussion, the board reviewed line items with the heads of the police and road departments.

Township police Chief Brian Johnson said there were no increases in the police department’s budget.

Supervisors Chairman Tony Prudenti said he would like to see a possible increase in police officers’ pay rates.

Prudenti also thanked Johnson for applying for several grants and following through with them.

Township roadmaster Singleton Harvey told the board he would like an additional $20,000 for highway maintenance, and an extra $50,000 for the bridge fund.

Also, Harvey said there are more than 30 signs missing from the township.

“The same signs keep getting taken,” Harvey said, adding that it’s all throughout the township.

The board said it would like to budget for 30 signs to replace the ones that are missing.

Prudenti made his intentions clear.

“I am not raising taxes,” Prudenti said.

Supervisors will hold their next budget workshop after its next monthly morning meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 15.

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.