Taxes haven't increased in Hempfield Township for more than 20 years; and they won't be going up next year either.

Supervisor Gary Hittle said property taxes will stay at 4.67 mills in 2004; the last time taxes were raised in the township was 1980.

Next year's spending plan, however, is up by about 3.7 percent, he said, largely due to increases in health-care and workers compensation for township employees, he said.

A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value; assessments are the 1970 market value.

At 4.67 mills, a home valued at $15,000 would carry a tax bill of $70.05.

The budget was adopted Wednesday.