Pittsfield Township officials are hoping various cost-saving measures can limit the impact of a 7.5 percent decrease in general fund revenue in the 2010 budget.

An expected drop in state shared revenue contributed to an anticipated decline in revenue of nearly $1 million. Revenue for 2010 is projected to be $11.77 million, compared to $12.73 million in 2009.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the township hall.

Supervisor Mandy Grewal said administrative cost savings and allocating certain costs to different funds will hopefully render the falling revenue invisible to township residents.

"I hope they don't notice any change," she said.

Grewal's draft budget predicts a nearly 11 percent reduction in revenue-sharing from the state - from $2.085 million this year to $1.856 million in 2010. She admitted the exact amount is a moving target, but said the 11 percent figure is a conservative estimate.

"I feel this is a good target," she said.

The property tax millage rate would be 5.3557 mills under the proposed budget. Revenue from property taxes is expected to grow 3.21 percent - from $6.686 million to $6.901 million.

To make up for part of the general fund shrinkage, township officials are proposing shifting the cost of police and fire dispatch from the general fund to the 911 fund, which is collected from fees on phone services. That fund has a $1.5 million reserve.

General fund spending for fringe benefits in the police and fire departments also will decline under the proposed budget. A copy of the budget is available on the township Web site.

The township board is scheduled to vote on the budget at its Oct. 13 meeting.

Freelance reporter Dan Meisler can be reached at danmeisler@gmail.com.