Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners met Dec. 12 to approve the 2023 budget and other various purchases.

The 2023 budget estimates nearly $24,700,000 in revenue and more than $29,000,000 in expenditures. This creates a difference of approximately $4,465,295.

“The township will access the funding under the State and Local Recovery Program to replace lost revenue,” Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. said in a letter.

Commissioners fixed the real estate tax rate at 3.8 mills - no change from the 2022 rate.

Various other ordinances approved the purchase of a $75,000 filtration tank for the Parkview Pool, Hokendauqua, and new vehicles for the police, public works and fire departments.

In other business, the board approved resolution 3227 regarding claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

According to previous reports, former township employee Ashley Nischan had accused Harakal of inappropriate behavior in November 2021. In an interview, Nischan said she was forced to endure unwanted touching and closed-door meetings and was compelled to ride in the mayor’s personal vehicle alone.

Two other women, both of whom still work for the township, endured similar behavior, according to Nischan and the official Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission complaint.

The approved resolution directs the mayor and township to enter into a settlement agreement as a result of mediation that took place in October. The terms of the settlement were not made public and will not be made public until all parties agree to the settlement.

It was made clear during the commissioners meeting this settlement does not mean either side is “winning,” nor does it prove Harakal’s guilt. Rather, the settlement means all parties worked to find a solution to the problem that suited them.

Commissioners next meet 7 p.m. Jan. 3, 2023, at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.