During the May 8 Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting, the commissioners voted 5-1 to share information about the referendum Whitehall Township residents will see on the ballot during the May 16 municipal primary election.

The details were posted on the township’s website and Facebook page May 9.

The referendum asks if the township’s Home Rule Charter should be changed to eliminate the elected treasurer position and replace it with an appointed finance director.

The job responsibilities would remain the same. The difference would be how the role is filled.

Instead of having a treasurer elected by the voters, the finance director would be chosen by the mayor and approved by the board of commissioners.

Proponents say an appointment would allow for easier removal if the finance director is not performing the job appropriately.

Opponents say the change takes the decision away from voters.

The impetus for this referendum goes back to a fraud investigation the township treasurers office went through after irregularities were discovered in June 2019. Approximately $78,000 was discovered missing.

After a significant amount of discussion and deliberation, many board members said they believe it is in the township’s best interest to eliminate the treasurer position and replace it with the finance director. They believe this will help ensure the individual working with the township’s finances is properly qualified for the role. As it stands, anyone older than 25 who has lived in the township for at least a year can run for elected treasurer.

Board Vice President Phil Ginder was president of the board when the news of the missing money broke.

He felt strongly about the referendum because, he said, “there is nothing more embarrassing” than not being able to give residents the answer they deserve regarding where the money went. He said the current system doesn’t work anymore.

If the referendum passes, the change would not take place until January 2026.

Current treasurer Tina Koren would finish out her term.

Koren feels the tax office has begun running more efficiently since she became treasurer in 2022 and does not see why the position needs to be eliminated.

Commissioner Thomas Slonaker voted against the motion to share information about the referendum on the website and social media.

The commissioners will meet 7 p.m. June 5 in the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.