WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Residents on Monday voiced opposition to the township's proposed $36.7 million budget, but the township board of commissioners unanimously approved it anyway.
Complaints focused on the real estate tax hike — from 3.80 mills to 4.70 mills — an increase of 0.9 of a mill, or almost 24%.
The tax increase is the first since 2019 and only the second millage increase since the 2013 tax reassessment.
Commissioner Elizabeth Fox voted against the tax hike item.
Resident Joanie Tedesco told commissioners she opposed the increase.
“We didn’t raise taxes last year because of the garbage increase. I just want to get us on solid footing. I’m being as honest as I can.”Whitehall Township Mayor Joseph J. Marx, Jr.
“There are a lot of retirees this will affect,” Tedeso said. “Why not raise the tax incrementally instead of [all at once]?
“If any of you commissioners vote for a 24-percent tax increase tonight, all I can say is I hope you can sleep well at night.”
The tax increase means the owner of property assessed at $250,000 for tax purposes would pay $225 a year more in property tax — or $18.75 per month.
The budget, which was proposed by Mayor Joseph J. Marx, Jr., represents a $3 million increase over the 2025 budget.
The 2026 budget increase reflects the township’s relatively stagnated economic growth, increases in fixed costs and its present and future capital needs, officials said.
The budget projects a $5.4 million gap between revenue and expenditures addressed partially by spending reductions and using the fund balance.
Resident Anthony Kopeck told the board, “You just got to live within your means a little more.”
“You’ve got to look at it from this side of the table," Kopeck said. "Why not spread [the tax] out? Why are we buying so many big-ticket items in one year? I’d like to see a smaller increase.”
Resident LoriAnn Fehnel said the board should know how many families are struggling and will be affected by the tax hike.
'Get us on solid footing'
While empathizing with families, Mayor Marx said, “you can only kick the can down the road for so long.”
“We didn’t raise taxes last year because of the garbage increase,” he said. “I just want to get us on solid footing. I’m being as honest as I can.”
Marx said that among the reasons for the tax increase were health insurance costs increasing 11.90%, dental insurance costs of 5% and a pension obligation increase of $150,000.
Also, funding for the Capital Reserve Fund will double to $2.8 million, a safeguard against relying on uncertain grant funding to buy equipment and complete needed projects in the township.
Another reason for the budget increase, Marx has said, is the township’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which will guide the recreation department’s development for the next 10 years and require “significant capital investment.”
The budget does not include an increase in the municipal solid waste tax.
Dwellings will be charged $615 per year for once-weekly pickup of trash and recyclables. An additional $110 fee will be assessed for a second trash receptacle.
The budgeted items include:
- Salaries for two additional township police officers, bringing the workforce total to 52.
- Replacing a fire engine, at a cost of $1.2 million-$1.4 million, within the next four years.
- Replacing milling and paver machines, CAT paver, skid steer loader and a pickup truck for the public works department.
- Replacement of a drone ($9,000) for the township’s Emergency Management Services.
Other business
Commissioners also approved the treasurer’s bond for 2026 in the amount of $29.44 million.
The bond will be secured through the Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records.
A treasurer’s bond protects public funds against losses caused by the treasurer’s misconduct, negligence or failure to perform their duties.
Commissioners approved the appointment of Jonathan Fernezan to the township’s Ethics Committee and the Traffic Impact Advisory Board.
The board recognized Commissioner Alberta J. Scarfaro, who was attending her final meeting. Her term expires at month’s end.
Scarfaro, who is undergoing treatment for Stage 3 breast cancer since being diagnosed in February, has served Whitehall for 14 years — 12 on the zoning hearing board and the past two as commissioner.
“Despite my treatments, I made every effort to be at the meetings,” she said. “I just want Whitehall to know I always did what I felt was best for the community. Thank you for your support.”
A moment of silence was observed in memory of longtime Whitehall Township Engineer Frank Clark, 65, who died early Monday.
Each commissioner and the mayor publicly shared memories of working with Clark.
“Frank was an honest man,” Commissioner Ken Snyder said. “He always put Whitehall first.”
