At the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 18, the commissioners said their goodbyes to three commissioners.

Brian Shoemaker, who has served the township for four years, Richard Ward, vice president of the board of commissioners, who served on various boards for numerous years, including being a commissioner for the past seven years and Brian Higgins, who has served on various boards for 12 years, the past four years as president of the board of commissioners, were honored.

The three commissioners put in countless hours while serving in local government. When asked about the toughest job in the township, the response was the elected officials.

All department heads present at the meeting thanked the three honored commissioners for their service.

Wes Barrett, the newly elected commissioner spoke briefly, thanking the current board for making his job easier.

In other meeting business, Ordinance 2025-05 was approved, which included the budget for 2026 and the tax rates. Property taxes will remain the same as will the Homestead Exemption rate.

The approval was unanimous.

Ordinance 2025-06 also was approved. The ordinance amends Chapter 18 sewers and sewage disposal, sewer inspections enforcement and a new sewer district.

Resolution 2025-60, the fee schedule for 2025, was approved.

Resolution 2025-61 sets the Homestead Exemption Rate for 2026. The township excludes the assessed value of homestead properties.

Resolution 2025-62 was approved for the bond amount for the township tax collector.

Resolution 2025-64 was approved. This will allow the appointment of five special fire police.

Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-65. This resolution authorizes the township treasurer as a signatory for township bank accounts.

Meeting business also revealed a new intersection in the township. Compost Center Road has been renamed Pork Lane. When the Sauerkraut Road extension occurs, it will intersect with Pork Lane.

The contract with the Sanctuary at Haafsville for assistance with stray cats was approved as well.

An executive session was held Dec. 4 to discuss personnel issues and pending litigation.