Whitehall Township's debt service is the lowest its been for more than three decades.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. reported the news at the township board of commissioners' April 14 meeting. Hozza notes the shrinking debt translates to the average property owner that real estate taxes are not rising.

"The township finished 2013 with an outstanding debt service of $3,002,631," he said. "This is the lowest amount in over 32 years."

The commissioners learned that in three years the debt will be $1,420,000.

Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers and Hozza have mentioned to the commissioners at budget hearings that in 2017 the township will be have a sound financial footing, especially when looking to replace major pieces of equipment, whether it's for the public works department or the fire department.

In other township business, after a private contractor demolished a real estate building, located at Third and Grape streets, the township learned from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that it was citing the township for asbestos violations.

Reports indicated a citizen lodged the complaint.

"The contractor failed to take such steps as required in the contract documents to comply with this," Hozza stated in a report to the commissioners.

In any event, Hozza and the township Solicitor Charles Fonzone will be submitting correspondence to DEP in the hope of reducing the fine. The amount was not mentioned.

The structure was razed for widening of the intersection, which is along a major route for shoppers coming from Allentown and exiting from Route 22 to go to the malls, restaurants and businesses on Grape Street and MacArthur Road.

Third Street is a state-owned road. There are discussions that could lead to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation paying for the roadway improvements.

Also during the meeting, interviews are being wrapped up for part-time summer employment, mainly for positions at the township's three swimming pools. The human services officer, assisted by the aquatic director, have interviewed numerous applications.