The Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors’ special bond meeting was held June 11.

PFM Managing Director Jamie Schlesinger gave a presentation of financing scenarios focusing on three options: $20 million, $25 million, and $30 million.

The board debated the urgency of fire and police station upgrades, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum and address current space limitations.

Financial projections indicated a $33.3 million deficit over three years, with a current fund balance of $3.1 million.

The board considered the impact of interest rates, potential grants, and the importance of maintaining a strong credit rating.

A motion to authorize a $25 million bond was proposed, with a detailed financial plan and timeline to be developed.

Back in March as reported in the Parkland Press, Emily Liuzza AIA, project manager and Michael Metzger AIA, principal architect at Alloy5 Architecture gave a presentation on the Facilities Evaluation Final Report.

The report includes data collection, evaluations, and concept design phases.

They gave an overview of six buildings evaluated: the township building, police department, three fire stations and public works.

Two master planning options were presented: one with a less sequential approach and one with a more contingent approach.

They returned in April and discussed the plan further.

The board discussed the UMT Bond issue, focusing on the need for $25 million to cover upcoming expenses over the next five to six years.

Concerns were raised about the feasibility of borrowing $25 million versus splitting the bond into two issues of $10 million each.

The board debated the financial implications, including the cost of bond issuance and the potential impact of interest rates.

Sunny Ghai, vice chairman, strongly objected to approving the bond without a thorough financial model, noting that the final amount might need to be higher or lower depending on more detailed analysis.

Despite these concerns, the board voted 2–1 to approve the $25 million bond, with officials emphasizing the need to balance fiscal responsibility with long-term planning.

Several attendees expressed confusion over how the $25 million would cover an estimated $41 million in spending over the next five to six years.

There was appreciation that the conversation was held openly, and multiple participants requested a clearer financial breakdown, including a year-by-year “sources and uses” chart.

Concerns were raised about the long-term taxpayer burden, especially the $1.8 million in annual debt service over 24 years, and the potential financial strain if future economic conditions worsen.

Some advocated for a more cautious approach, suggesting the township initially borrow a smaller amount to fund engineering studies and delay the rest until more information is available.

Others emphasized the risks of under investing in essential infrastructure like fire and police services, warning that inadequate facilities could drive residents and businesses away.

Additionally, the board scheduled public workshops to review draft sections of the Upper Macungie Township zoning ordinance rewrite on July 3, Aug. 7, and Sept. 4.