WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — The open palms of some members of Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners could be interpreted as readying celebratory high-fives for Saquon Barkley as the Whitehall High School graduate and Philadelphia Eagles star prepares for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.
However, others may believe they’re intended for the back of township Tax Collector and Treasurer Tina J. Koren in an effort to show her to the door.
The dissatisfaction with Koren's performance by some board members was evident on the agenda of the board's workshop session Monday.
Authored by Commissioner Ken Snyder, who was not at the meeting, the agenda item detailed an ordinance to initiate a referendum on the upcoming ballot to amend the township charter to eliminate the treasurer position.
A finance director would be appointed to replace the treasurer.
Snyder requested placing the bill on the agenda after the commissioners’ December meeting, township solicitor Jack Gross said.
“The only reason Mister Snyder wanted it on here was to discuss the appropriateness of the ordinance,” Gross said.
The item is expected to be discussed at a full commissioners’ meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the municipal building.
“I welcome anybody on this board to come in and see how I do this job."Tina J. Koren, treasurer, Whitehall Township
In December, the board voted against the ordinance, which would surrender electoral authority to township officials.
Proponents said the change would allow for easier removal if the appointed official offered lackluster performance.
Opponents indicated it would undermine voters' authority over their government.
Koren was elected to a four-year term as tax collector in 2021. Her term expires in 2025.
'Come in and see how I do this job'
On Monday, commissioners discussed a separate ordinance establishing the compensation rate for the township treasurer for 2026-29, as required by township charter.
Koren’s current annual salary is $54,278.
Board Vice President Jeffrey Warren noted said the township treasurer has not gotten a raise in 10 of the past 20 years.
Board President Thomas Slonaker argued against a salary increase, saying duties of the office have been reduced.
“What I see is you’re getting paid relatively more because you’re doing less, even though the salary is the same."Whitehall Township Commissioners President Thomas Slonaker
“That’s not correct,” Koren said.
“What I see is you’re getting paid relatively more because you’re doing less, even though the salary is the same,” Slonaker said.
“I welcome anybody on this board to come in and see how I do this job,” Koren said.
Piligian said technological advances have helped to increase the efficiency of the staff and allowed for the staff reduction, about which Koren complained.
On Dec. 4, Koren filed a federal lawsuit against Mayor Joseph J. Marx, Jr. and township officials, alleging retaliatory acts stemming from Koren running against Marx for the mayoral seat.
Only four commissioners — Robert Piligian, Elizabeth Fox, Slonaker and Warren — were at Monday's meeting. Marx also was in attendance.
A quorum is not required for a municipal workshop meeting if the meeting does not involve legislative action.
A quorum is the minimum number of members of a group that must be present to conduct official business.
