At the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners’ Dec. 13 meeting, board members voted to fix the real estate tax rate for 2022. There is no increase for residents.

The commissioners passed Bill 33, which has a slight hike in the township’s waste collection for some residents. According to Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers, residents with one garbage container will not see a change, but residents with two containers will have an increase of about $20-$30.

Board members shared their thoughts and grief over the passing of two long-term township employees - Linda Laub, zoning operations secretary, and John Schreiner, Whitehall Coplay Sewer Authority chairman. Many of the commissioners and department heads paid tribute to Laub and Schreiner, both of whom held their positions for decades. Condolences were shared with their families, friends and co-workers.

In other business, a resident spoke out against the township treasurer and alleged fraud scandal that occurred earlier in the year. This was the resident’s third time approaching the board over this matter. With little change or update from previous months, Commissioner Jeffrey Warren proposed a motion to have a yearly audit in the township treasurer’s office.

Most of the commissioners agreed, but President Philip Ginder pointed out that fine details, such as who will conduct the audit and how it will be paid for, should be smoothed out before voting on the motion. Commissioner Charles Fisher agreed and said he did not want to rush the process. The motion will likely be seen in the upcoming year.

Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. extended gratitude to Commissioner Michael Dee for his help in getting the township an additional $500,000 through a second Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

This marked Ginder’s final meeting as board president. He noted his appreciation for township employees, department heads, fellow commissioners and department chiefs for their endless work and dedication to the township over his two years as president.

Ginder admitted the last two years came with many hardships, such as the pandemic, the municipal building remodeling, alleged tax office fraud and recent harassment allegations against the mayor; however, he noted the township is continuing to push forward and clear skies are ahead.

Many of the commissioners said Ginder served his years well and kept standards high. His strong character and professionalism were much needed during these trying times, it was noted.

The board next meets Jan. 3, 2022. The board will be electing new officers during this time. Continue to visit whitehalltownship.org for updates on the reorganization meeting.