By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

North Whitehall supervisors’ Feb. 3 meeting began with a motion to approve the minutes of the Jan. 6 reorganization meeting, with Supervisor Dennis Klusaritz as chairman.

Finance Director and Treasurer Seth O’Neill provided an overview of the financial performance for January 2025 and a recap of 2024.

January showed a typical negative cash flow due to higher expenditures and lower revenues, especially in the general fund and capital projects, such as the township building.

O’Neill emphasized this is a common occurrence early in the year and not a cause for concern.

The finance department’s 2024 work, done by a small team, was highlighted with key statistics: 26 pay periods, 1,567 journal entries, 1,158 checks issued, and significant progress in investment income, which saw a 19 percent increase from 2023 to 2024.

Capital funds and the general operating fund also saw positive cash flow, with notable revenue from taxes.

General operating revenue totaled $6.3 million in 2024, primarily from earned income tax.

Expenses were $5.7 million, mostly due to labor costs.

The township is heavily reliant on taxes for revenue, with labor costs making up a significant portion of expenses.

Public works had the highest labor costs, while administrative costs were the largest overall operational expense.

Capital investments in 2024 included $1.1 million for equipment, $424,000 for real property, and $1.3 million in capital improvements.

Bond proceeds from the township building renovation were also used.

Total income, including bond proceeds, amounted to $6.1 million, with expenditures at $1.6 million.

Finally, O’Neill introduced an intern from Kutztown University, Ryan Hoelzel, who will assist with historical data analysis to create future reports.

“Hopefully, in a few months we will be able to come back to you,” O’Neill said. “We’re going to do a lot of historical data that he is mining for me and putting into spreadsheets.

“It is projects I don’t have time to do, that he’s going to be working on for us.

“We will be able to have a nice little presentation in maybe two months or so.”

John Carson, of Pelorus Group, provided a township building renovation update on the ongoing construction project, covering scope, schedule and budget.

Construction is moving along well, he said, with the back half of the roof structure installed and work advancing on the exterior sheathing of the new addition. Once the roof is completed, heating will be brought in to continue work on the slab, underground plumbing and electrical systems.

Cold weather is a challenge, but progress is being made, Carson said.

Several contracts for exterior vendors were awarded, including for IT equipment, security systems, and large equipment for the addition and renovation.

The schedule remains on track, with the project running about a month ahead, aiming for completion by the end of May, provided the weather holds up.

Regarding the budget, the project is tracking approximately $235,000 under budget.

However, some issues have arisen, particularly related to discrepancies in thermostat voltage between contractors, which are being addressed.

Inside the building, drywall is being installed, sprinkler piping is in place, and ductwork is mostly complete.

The roofing is progressing, with temporary heat being used to manage the cold.

The majority of underground plumbing and electrical lines are roughed in, although some outside work remains, including a water main connection.

Despite cold weather delays, this part of the project is still expected to be finished within the projected time frame, with completion estimated in about three to four weeks.

In other matters, Kevin Murphy was chosen for the newly created position of township planner and assistant zoning officer.

After interviewing the top candidates, Murphy was chosen for his qualifications.

Murphy has a Master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of Memphis, along with a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology.

He has a strong background in urban planning, having worked as a research assistant at the University of Memphis and in various internship roles.

He also worked as an urban planner for the City of Creedmoor, North Carolina, and is currently employed at Chester County as an urban planner, focusing on housing and urban infrastructure.

Murphy briefly introduced himself and expressed his excitement about working with the township, bringing his expertise to the new role.