CRANBERRY TWP — Pay raises for township employees, public safety upgrades and a slew of capital improvement projects are part of the township’s tentative budget introduced this week.

The $23.4 million proposed budget — an increase of roughly $1.3 million over last year — covers operating expenses by incoming revenue, according to Township Manager Jerry Andree.

The proposed budget is balanced without the use of reserve funds and the township’s bond rating will remain at AAA.

Expected tax and legislative revenue of $17.67 million includes $12.2 million in Act 511 taxes, while real estate taxes account for an additional $3.3 million. In total, legislative revenue is expected to be about $365,159 higher than in 2018.

Other revenue includes $1.2 million from land development and code enforcement and $281,300 from public safety, an increase of more than $40,000 from 2018. The budget accounts for sizable increases from early childhood and youth programs, making overall recreation revenue more than $132,000 higher in 2019. Andree said those programs fund themselves, which is why expenditures for 2019 also show an increase.

“We’re seeing big increases in participation,” he said.

The largest expenses for the township include $6.4 million for public safety, a more than $410,000 increase over 2018. Andree attributed that increase to the implementation of the 2016 Fire Strategic Plan, which identified barriers to keeping and maintaining an all-volunteer fire department.

That included construction projects at the Park Station on Route 19 and the Haine Station off Haine School Road. The $2.1 million project will renovate and expand Park Station to include sleeping quarters, a gym, more office space and a large social and work area with a kitchen and day room. The Haine Station will get new flooring, lighting and other upgrades. Both projects are expected to be completed this year.

Additionally, the fire and EMS staffs will be fully funded, concluding a three-year phase of that initiative. Apparatus and fleet management plans have also been updated to make sure equipment is up to date.

Andree said the public safety budget also includes funds for 32 police officers. Currently, the department has 31, with officials anticipating filling the remaining position soon.

General government expenses, including human resources, information technology and debt service, totals nearly $4.7 million. Public works expenses account for $5.5 million.

Andree noted the budget places a heavy emphasis on maintaining roads and solid waste programs in the township. It also allows for continued renovation and expansion of the Brush Creek Water Treatment Plant, where a focus has been placed on minimizing infiltration and making the system more efficient.

The budget also includes funds for the hiring of an assistant director of public works, whom Andree said will have a singular focus on sewer, water and solid waste systems.

“We want to spend more focused time on our sewer and water system,” he said. “We know we’re doing a good job, but we want to be more proactive.”

Overall, noncollective bargaining employees in the township will receive an average pay raise of 2.85 percent. Andree said the raises bring those employees more in line with contracts the township has bargained for road work, the police union and the Utility Workers of America.

Capital improvements are also a major part of the budget, with nearly 20 projects accounted for. Andree said these projects will be funded through a variety of sources, including the township’s Capital Improvement Programs, local funds, grants and private funds.

The projects include $1.2 million for the Cranberry Township Community Chest Project of the Year for 2019. Titled “Forge Ahead,” it calls for upgrades and enhancements to the Cranberry Public Library, including the creation of new spaces, the implementation of new technology and modifications to make the building more accessible.

Also included is the $17 million MSA Thruway project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion by building an underpass beneath Route 228 and corresponding ramps from Interstate 79. It would also connect the Cranberry Springs development and Cranberry Woods Business Park. Officials said the project is expected to go to bid in early 2019.

Other projects include $3.7 million for lights and turf at North Boundary Park; $400,000 for traffic signal upgrades; $500,000 for municipal center interior space utilization enhancements; and $500,000 to replace the township’s golf cart fleet.

“The proposed budget supports the board’s commitment to implementing the Cranberry Plan, which will continue to ensure Cranberry Township is a highly desirable place to live, work and play,” said Dick Hadley, chairman of the board of supervisors.

Supervisors will consider adopting the proposed budget Nov. 15, after which it will be available for review in full at the township building on Rochester Road. A vote on the budget is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 12.