WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Whitehall Township property owners would pay more in taxes next year if the mayor’s proposed $36.7 million budget is approved.
The board of commissioners on Monday began reviewing Mayor Joseph J. Marx’s proposed budget, which would raise real estate tax to increase from 3.80 mills to 4.70 mills — a 0.9 of a mill increase.
A 0.90 of a mill increase would mean the owner of property with a tax value assessed at $250,000 would pay $225 more annually — or $18.75 per month.Proposed Whitehall Township budget
The increase is needed because of the township’s relatively stagnated economic growth, increases in fixed costs and the present and future capital needs of the township, Marx said in a letter to commissioners.
A 0.90 of a mill increase would mean the owner of property with a tax value assessed at $250,000 would pay $225 more annually — or $18.75 per month.
The budget will continue being reviewed and discussed by the commissioners Tuesday and Wednesday night.
The proposed tax increase would be the first since 2019 and only the second millage increase since the 2013 tax reassessment, Marx said.
Absence of impactful growth
In his letter, Marx said the absence of any impactful growth in the township’s tax base has created financial shortfalls not seen in recent budgets.
“For the first time in many years, the township will fall short of filling the revenue/expenditure gap in the $5.4 million budget,” Marx said.
“Through reductions in spending — we were able to shave $2.5 million, and collected $1.8 million more in revenue — the fund balance will decrease by $1.1 million to an estimated $15,767,112.”
“Since 2013, we have lost $56 million in assessed valuation — $212,000 less."Whitehall Township Mayor Joseph J. Marx
Marx said he cautioned the board in prior budgets of the absence of growth in the tax base.
“Since 2013, we have lost $56 million in assessed valuation — $212,000 less,” he said.
“Much of this is due to commercial real estate tax appeals. Though earned income continues to grow incrementally, compliance issues with business privilege taxes are a point of concern.”
The township, in its 2026 budget, has proposed elevating the budgeted amounts in Tax Line Items such as Earned Income Tax ($200,000) and Transfer Tax ($250,000).
Despite increasing the budget amounts of certain revenues, real estate tax losses, fixed cost expenditure increases and capital needs require additional revenue.
Police, fire funding requests
During Monday’s meeting, the board heard from township Fire Chief Mark Bilder and Police Chief Michael Marks about their requests in terms of funding in the proposed budget.
Marx listed present and future capital reserve expenses as “great concern."
Bilder submitted a $1.2 million budget.
“Our primary goal is to align our staffing with the goals of the township."Whitehall Township Police Chief Michael Marks
The most expensive item for the fire department is the replacement of a pumper truck, or fire engine, within the next four years. The cost of a new truck is $1.2 million to $1.4 million.
Replacement of milling and paver machines in the public works department also is budgeted.
Chief Marks submitted his $8.6 million budget proposal for review.
He encouraged the commissioners to budget salaries for two additional police officers, which would increase the force to 52.
“Our primary goal is to align our staffing with the goals of the township,” he said.
Marks saluted the excellence of his department, particularly in the area of violent crime.
“Our incidence of violent crime is among the lowest in the commonwealth,” he said. “The chances of being a victim of violent crime in the township is 2.37 percent — or four in every 122 people.”
Board member Ken Snyder advocated for adding as many as four officers.
Board Vice President Jeffrey Warren was not in favor of pulling funding from other areas to hire up to four additional officers.
Marks also requested, among other items, purchase of replacement duty rifles, body cameras and tasers.
“Whitehall is truly fortunate to have capable bureau chiefs who recognize and address the needs of our community,” Marx said.
“They have endeavored to perform their duties with limited fiscal resources. However, at this point their mission requires that we provide them with the capital to do their work.”
Additional spending
In further explaining his decision to increase taxes, Marx also said the township’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which will guide the rec department’s development for the next 10 years, will require “significant capital investment.”
Commissioners also heard from Tony Cimerol and Casey Zelena of the township’s Emergency Management Services, requesting a $9,000 replacement drone.
The drone is used for a variety of situations, Cimerol said, including assisting law enforcement in, for example, finding children who may have gotten lost in a wooded area.
The estimated life span of a drone is six to eight years, Cimerol said.
Deputy Mayor John Meyers said the primary focus while working on the budget with Marx was things that impact people’s lives the most.
“That is making sure your parks, your infrastructure and all the other major things are taken care of,” Meyers said.
“And that we have the ability to keep doing those services in the most efficient ways possible with the equipment needed to do so.”
At Tuesday’s budget hearing meeting, proposals will be made by the recreation department, public works, development and the tax office.
