CRANBERRY TWP — Township supervisors Tuesday evening approved the 2014 preliminary budget that maintains property taxes, sewer, water and garbage fees at current levels.

The final budget adoption is scheduled for a vote on the supervisors’ final meeting of the year on Dec. 11.

Property tax rates will remain at 13 mills with 8 mills being dedicated to the general fund, 2.12 mills to the fire company, 1 mill to the library, 0.85 mills to road equipment and 1 mill to buildings.

The township hasn’t raised taxes since 2011 when millage rates rose from 10.65 mills to the current 13 mills.

Each mill generates $1 for each $1,000 of assessed property value.

Next year’s general fund operating budget is $24.4 million up slightly from this year’s $23.3 million.

There are no new employees included in the budget, keeping all departments at current staffing levels.

Rates will remain the same for both water and solid waste customers.

The township is still waiting for an estimated dollar cost of the Brush Creek Water Pollution Control Facility enhancement and expansion project to determine whether a sewage rate increase will be necessary. That assessment is expected to be made in early 2014.