The 2012 tax audit was presented by Donal Renninger from the firm of Reinsel, Kuntz and Lesher with the opinion Lower Macungie Township's category is unqualified. Renninger said "this is the best statement an entity can get."

Major capital assets of the year include contributed assets in the amount of $3.3 million for roads. Also there were contributed assets in the amount of $785,000 for addition to the sewer collection system. A Peterbilt dump truck in the amount of $163,000 and GMC Sierra 3500 four-wheel drive truck in the amount of $69,000 were added to the assets. For additional information on the specifics of the audit, check Lower Macungie Township's website lowermac.com. The audit information is under the finance tab.

There were a few suggestions for improvements including a control deficiency in the permit issuing process. It was suggested permits be sequentially numbered for control purposes.

Accounts receivable collection efforts will be improved significantly with the sewer and water collection efforts. Also there were significant deficiencies in the grant funding area which will be addressed and adjusted.

Commissioner Ryan Conrad noticed a jump in financial adjustments. Director of Finance Cassandra Williams explained some billing issues with Keystone Engineering's billing cycle going from mid-month to the following mid-month. She explained grant revenue causes adjustments.

The commissioners expressed their gratitude to Williams for her excellent accounting methods. Williams, in turn, expressed her thanks to the finance department.

David Terfinko, an employee in the public works department, retired. A proclamation was issued to him for his 30 years of service. He began his employment in 1983. He is a valuable asset to the community and has been involved in many projects. Some projects include stormwater issues and bridges.

The Boy Scouts from Troop 439 attended to observe the township meeting. Ben Schaeffer spoke about the citizenship and community merit badges. The Troop is from Allentown and meets at St. Thomas More.

The Church Lane bridge is now open. The Lower Macungie Township portion of the Willow Lane walking project will begin shortly.

Lower Macungie Township has done intensive research into area banks for lower bank charges. The current bank, Lafayette Ambassador, has made an offer to substantially lower the charges. Lower Macungie Township has decided to remain with their current bank due to this offer which will save the township $10,000.

Hamilton Crossings and the Tax Increment Financing continues to be a topic of discussion. It was originally planned that the resolution to approve the TIF would be proposed during the Board of Commissioners meeting. This is being postponed until July 18.

A letter is being prepared by Township Manager Bruce Fosselman to urge the county to approve this project. The project will include road and traffic improvements, including turning lanes, improvement of roads and signalization, all to be part of the developer's responsibility.

The project will also make improvements including remedies for area flooding and improvements of utilities, including electric, gas, water and sewer lines.

The TIF uses future gains in taxes to subsidize current improvements.

An attorney for Cedar Reality which is involved with the Giant store, voiced opposition to this project. The attorney said "The TIF is illegal as the area is not blighted."

In opposition to this statement, it was said the TIF is not illegal. It is used in 49 states. The property is blighted due to minewash, easements and severe flooding.

Several residents voiced their opinions. Charles Pattrelli, from Country Club Road, said there are several housing developments in the area. Krocks Road has golf carts and school bus stops on it and this road would become busier due to its proximity to the shopping center. Blake Marles, who resides on Mill Creek Road, said Krocks Road is expected to be busy. Mike Siegel expressed his gratitude to the commissioners for supporting this project.

The Kratzer Farm subdivision continues to be a subject of controversy. Fosselman said "this is a complicated issue with a simple answer." The subdivision is simply the house and barn being sold which is about one acre of the 80-acre farm. It is being done to follow the township's plan to get itself out of the landlord business. The problem appears to be how to access the buildings as they are set back into the main property which will cause access problems to the buildings.