Whitehall Township's annual debt obligations have decreased.

Previous bond indebtedness helped fund the erection of a new state-of-the-art public works building on the township's campus off MacArthur Road.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. recently submitted a packet on the debt reduction to the board of commissioners.

"The township made its debt service payment of $805,000 on the 2001 general obligation bonds," part of the packet reads.

With the $805,000 payment, the township's principal debt dropped from $3,275,000 to $2,470,000. The administration and the board of commissioners are looking to 2017, when the bond debt will drop to $230,000.

In other township news, planning is already under way for a new police station.

Several sites are under review, including spots on the township campus.

Now that the joint major reconstruction project of Ruch Street, from Center to Chestnut streets, has been completed, Hozza reported the township invoiced the Borough of Coplay $57,059 for its portion of street improvements.

The township met with representatives from Tarkett, which years ago operated a huge floor covering plant in Fullerton, regarding significant sums of privilege tax dollars owed the township, Hozza said.

The money owed is based on an audit performed by the township's business privilege tax auditor. The alleged amount outstanding was not mentioned.

"After initial discussion, both sides recognized there was no common ground for a settlement and will proceed to a hearing before the tax appeals board," Hozza said.