Middletown is not proposing a tax increase as part of it’s proposed 2013 municipal budget.

The proposed budget keeps a millage rate of 17.57 mils, which means the average residential property owner will pay a yearly real estate tax of $510. Finance Director Dennis Penko said the the township has held the line on tax increases over the past few years.

While the township will not likely have to raise taxes in 2013, Penko said that the proposed budget draws about $1.1 million from the townships dwindling cash reserves. If the new budget is approved, the coffer will only hold about $1.8 million.

The finance director told Patch there will be "pressure for a tax increase" during 2014 budget process.

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As with many local governments, Middletown was not spared from the economic downturn and has seen revenues decrease of the past few years as the cost of running the township has increased.

Contributions to employee pensions are increasing and forcing the township to pay more.

The proposed budget shows that the police department is budgeted to hire 3 additional police officers over the next year. The department is currently staffed with 48 officers.

Township supervisors are expected to vote on the final budget at the Dec. 17 board meeting.

See the PDF in this article's media section for a more detailed look at the proposed 2013 budget.