There are two noteworthy aspects to Robinson's proposed 2009 budget -- it does not include a tax increase, but it does include money for an assistant manager.

The $9.3 million spending plan, which was adopted Monday night, will keep the property tax rate at 3.05 mills.

Commissioners' Chairman Dan Tallon said that it is "high time" the commissioners gave Manager Richard Charnovich some help.

"It's something we've talked about for years," he said. "Rich [Charnovich] needs to be able to prioritize and delegate some of his duties."

"He's inundated," Commissioner Sam Abatta said.

Robinson had a population of 12,289 as of the 2000 census. Of the eight other Allegheny County municipalities between 11,000 and 15,000 at the time, three have assistant managers.

The township's huge commercial base creates extra work, however.

"It's long overdue," Mr. Abatta said.

Mr. Charnovich took the Robinson job in 2004 after serving as assistant manager in Upper St. Clair. He said Tuesday he is working on a job description that will outline the assistant's duties.

The assistant manager will, with benefits included, take a bite of about $50,000 from the 2009 budget, Mr. Tallon said. That, however, was not enough to force a tax increase.

Mr. Tallon said revenues for this year were higher than projected, thanks largely to the Settler's Ridge commercial complex being built along Campbell's Run Road, and the extra allowed the township to hold the line on taxes.

It was a far cry from the debate over the current year's budget, which was held up and reopened as the commissioners clashed over what turned out to be a 0.4-mill tax increase.