According to a press release from South Whitehall Township Manager Howard Kutzler, commissioners will be exploring the possibility of dissolving the South Whitehall Township Authority.

At this time, the authority owns the water and sanitary sewer systems serving residents and businesses in the township.

If the Authority is dissolved, ownership and control of the water and sanitary sewer systems will be transferred to the township.

The Authority was created by the township in 1962, and is authorized to dissolve the authority under the Pennsylvania Municipality Authorities Act.

Commissioners say dissolution of the authority may serve the public interest in several ways.

According to the email from Kutzler, direct township ownership and control of the water and sanitary sewer systems could result in saving significant time, energy and expense that goes into information sharing and addressing issues between the township and the authority.

Through organizational structure changes and coordination of efforts, efficiencies may be developed with subsequent cost savings over time.

This streamlined approach could make sense when considering township personnel already perform all day-to-day activities necessary for operation of the water and sanitary sewer systems.

The reasons for the existence of the authority may no longer apply in South Whitehall Township, and therefore eliminating an extra layer of bureaucracy may be a logical step.

“The Board of Commissioners answers directly to our residents and direct oversight of the water and sanitary sewer functions within the Township may be appropriate for our community,” Kutzler wrote. “The Board of Commissioners looks forward to working with the Board of Authority, and the boards will meet in the near future to further explore the option of dissolution.

“The Board of Commissioners will be thorough in performing its due diligence and in formulating a course of action with the best interest of the public in mind.”