South Whitehall Director of Finance Steve Carr estimates the campus master plan project will cost $7.5 million to $8.8 million.

The actual amount will depend upon design features.

Carr stated the annual payments on the loan would range from $404,140 to $478,085.

He expressed good news for the township regarding financing.

“We can fund a lot of this with what is already in the pipeline,” Carr said.

He noted new construction projects in South Whitehall could yield $315,000 in new tax revenue this year.

Carr stated that was a conservative estimate which could be even higher.

The finance director noted 0.17-0.20 mills will be needed for the annual renovation cost.

Carr projected the annual increase to cover the loan payment would be $37-$44 for residential properties and $115-$136 for commercial.

He explained those increases represent portions of township revenue needed for the campus improvement project.

They are not necessarily tax increases for homeowners and businesses if sufficient funds become available from taxes on new developments such as the Hills at Winchester and the Crackersport warehouses.

Carr commented on the project.

“It will be a little over a year of actual construction,” Carr said. “We’ll get the new parts done first. For residents it will be improved significantly.”

Todd Chambers, MKSD architect, stated after design work is completed, the project will go out to bid and apply for permits in January and February 2020.

“We’ll start construction next year as soon as the weather breaks,” Chambers said.

Township Manager Renee Bickel reported township operations will continue on a regular basis while under construction.

“There will be trailers around but we will do it,” Bickel said.

Completion is expected in 2021.