South Whitehall Township Manager Howard Kutzler reported in a Jan. 12 Press release and in comments at the Jan. 18 commissioners’ meeting the board was looking into possibly dissolving the municipal authority, which owns the water and sanitary sewer systems serving residents and businesses.

If the authority is terminated, ownership and control of water and sewer would be transferred to the township.

Kutzler noted the change could result in savings of time and expense through coordination of efforts, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.

“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,” Kutzler said.

He noted the reasons for having an authority may no longer apply to South Whitehall and eliminating that extra layer of bureaucracy may be a logical step.

As commissioners answer directly to residents, it may be appropriate for them to have direct oversight of the water and sewer functions, Kutzler noted.

He said discussion of the matter is in the early stages, but he wanted to be transparent to inform residents of the possible change.

Commissioners and the board of authority are scheduled to have a joint meeting 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 to discuss this issue and other matters.

In other business, commissioners decided to move forward with a policy designed to establish guidelines for employees who purchase goods and services on behalf of the township.

Business Manager Lenore Horos reported the proposed policy was prepared with a great deal of effort by the finance staff and Solicitor Joseph Zator.

“It establishes a more stringent approval policy for purchases,” Horos stated.

According to the policy’s mission statement, when approved the guidelines for spending public funds should be adhered to by all departments to insure the township receives maximum value for each public dollar spent.