The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance setting the 2026 property tax rates, reaffirming all existing millages and formally levying real estate taxes for both general revenue and fire protection purposes.

Township Manager Tom Petrucci outlined the new rates, explaining the 2026 budget reflects updated revenue estimates based on the adopted millage. The general purpose millage will remain 2.849750 mills, while the dedicated fire tax will increase to 0.75 mills, resulting in a combined millage rate of 3.59975 mills.

Because the fire tax is increasing, the township was required to adopt the rates by ordinance rather than resolution. The ordinance also reaffirms all other current tax rates, including the open space EIT approved by voters earlier this year.

Board President Diane Kelly thanked township administration and the finance and staff teams for their work preparing a budget that responsibly funds fire apparatus replacements over the next decade. She noted the designated fire tax increase ensures long-term planning for equipment needs – something the township had not previously implemented but is critical to public safety.

Commissioner Jacob Roth emphasized the importance of explaining to residents why the fire tax increase is necessary. While there is no increase to the general millage rate, he noted fire apparatus costs have risen dramatically since 2018, and delaying action further would have significant consequences for the volunteer companies’ ability to meet the community’s needs. Roth encouraged residents to review the 10-year capital improvement plan included at the end of the proposed 2026 budget, which details annual equipment needs and projected revenues.

The ordinance was advertised in the Nov. 13 issue of The Morning Call and reviewed by Lehigh County before adoption.

During courtesy of the floor, resident Dave Torrey raised concerns about long-term water availability in Lehigh County. Torrey noted the Lehigh County Authority recently asked residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 5%, which he found “ironic” given the proposed data center in Upper Macungie – an operation he understands would require a significant amount of water.

Torrey urged the township to support a countywide water supply study encompassing LCA wells, municipal systems and private wells, arguing the region needs a clear 10-year outlook before advancing any large water-intensive industrial projects. He stressed a data center should not proceed until that assessment is complete.

Torrey also pointed to a planned expansion at Nestlé Purina, which he said could require several hundred thousand gallons of water per day, further underscoring the need for comprehensive regional planning.

Torrey asked commissioners to coordinate with neighboring municipalities and regional partners, noting water supply is a countywide issue that affects both community needs and future economic development. Kelly thanked him for the comment and said the board would take the issue under advisement.