- North Whitehall Township's proposed 2024 budget does not include a tax increase
- The proposed budget accounts for a new summer program, farmland preservation and more funds for volunteer fire companies
- In other news, the controversial Strawberry Acres housing development may come before supervisors next month
NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — North Whitehall residents may not have to pay more in taxes next year.
At Monday’s township supervisors meeting, Township Manager Randy Cope presented a preliminary 2024 budget that does not include a tax increase. The current property tax rate is 0.6 mils.
The proposed budget projects a slight surplus of the general fund, starting 2024 at $8,525,000 and ending the year at $8,530,000.
The 2023 budget’s general fund projected a deficit of $1.7 million by the end of 2023 because of expected funds needed for the township building renovations.
But the township will now likely end 2023 in a surplus, said township Director of Finance and Treasurer Seth O’Neill, because he is pursuing financing options for the project.
O’Neill, who was appointed to his position at the beginning of this year, praised the township’s budget process.
“This was by far the best budget process I've ever gone through, both for transparency and inclusivity with the departments,” O’Neill said.
Cope said supervisors will vote on whether to approve the proposed budget at their Nov. 6 meeting.
What’s in the budget?
The proposed budget includes salaries for three additional full-time staff members: two in the public works department and one grants manager.
It also accounts for a new summer program that will be held at Schnecksville Elementary School. It will have the same programming as the current program at Ironton Elementary School and will host about 125 kids, Cope said.
Six new speed boards are also in the budget to help curb speeding complaints. They would be placed on roads throughout the township, including on Schneck Road, Spruce Street and Clearview Road, among others.
“It's our duty as a township to make sure volunteer fire companies and EMS providers are well-funded so they can continue to supply those needs for our residents."Township Manager Randy Cope
The proposed budget has $10,000 more than last year for each volunteer fire company in the township and for Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services.
“It's our duty as a township to make sure volunteer fire companies and EMS providers are well-funded so they can continue to supply those needs for our residents,” Cope said.
Projected capital fund expenditures include a total of $3,806,000 of costs related to the township building renovations. But the township also expects to receive an estimated $3,616,000 in revenue for financing of the project.
The proposed 2024 budget includes $350,000 for annual debt services related to the project. The total project cost is estimated to be around $5 million.
N. Whitehall 2024 Proposed Budget by LVNewsdotcom on Scribd
Other business
Cope said the deadline for action on the controversial Strawberry Acres housing development has been extended until March. It was originally this month.
The developer may come before supervisors at their Nov. 6 meeting, he said, even though the planning commission gave a unanimous unfavorable recommendation to the plan at its last meeting.
A resident asked about the four-day work week trial for township staff. Cope said official data collection will occur in December, but so far the township is spending less on diesel fuel, slightly less on electricity and not a noticeable amount more on overtime.
“I haven't noticed any hiccups with productivity. We're still getting a lot of work done. And overall I think it's been beneficial to staff retention and recruitment as well,” Cope said.
Supervisors will evaluate early next year whether to continue the four-day work week.
Municipal basketball courts will be closed for the season for renovations, Cope said. They will be paved, and the backboards and rims will be replaced.
The courts will reopen by spring and will likely be ready for league play in May.
The rehabilitation of the Park Valley Road bridge is almost complete and is scheduled to be reopened by Oct. 20, according to Cope.
