The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, at its meeting Feb. 9, discussed updates regarding plans and funding possibilities for a recreation center.

Commissioner Ken Snyder provided the board with some new details regarding amounts and options for building the recreation center. Several plans and options for the project were floated among the board. The lowest cost mentioned was $14 million, and, according to Snyder, a “worst-case scenario” of $20 million was the top end of the spectrum.

When plans for the project were first discussed, questions were raised as to whether the existing Jefferson Park building in Fullerton could be used. In the beginning, it was mentioned the building was no longer usable, according to Snyder.

Last year, Snyder requested an in-depth additional study for the recreation center that would come with a lower price, allow the township to utilize the Jefferson building and possibly do something with the unused pool, compared to constructing a brand-new building and getting rid of the pool.

Snyder said the cost to close the pool would be $150,000-$250,000. He noted the pool has been unused for about eight years.

The board had passed a motion that allowed the township to perform another study and upgrade the building at a lower cost. The results from the study were presented at the meeting.

“We have to decide whether or not, as a community, we want to have a place where people can go and have a recreation center that can accommodate the township,” Snyder said.

Board President Jeffrey Warren noted many residents participated in public meetings regarding the proposed recreation center and a majority of them were strongly for it.

“I don’t know why we spent all this money and all this time if our intent was to not do it,” Warren said.

Snyder mentioned, if the township wished to construct a new building but aim for a lower cost, it would be about $16 million. Zoning changes would be needed, he said.

A $14 million option would allow the community to keep the existing, unused pool at Jefferson Park, build one gym and a splash and a dog park and downsize the square footage of the existing building.

The “worst-case scenario” of $20 million would most likely allow the township to construct a new building, build two gyms and add other amenities such as the dog park and splash pad.

“We have to look for the next generations that will come through the township, and it’s something that has to happen. It’s just something that to me, the longer you wait, the more we’ll have to pay,” board Vice President Thomas Slonaker said.

Snyder mentioned there may be the possibility of considering a tax increase. He said that under the “worst-case scenario,” a possible tax increase of three-quarters of a mill may be needed in the near future in order to take care of recreation budgets and generating revenue.

The increase would only happen if funding for the recreation center wouldn’t be able to help offset a tax increase. Snyder mentioned the township is currently seeking grants for this project. Financing still has to be determined.

Discussions and ideas were also raised as to whether the board will agree to move forward with a referendum to get a public vote and input on whether the recreation center project should move forward or not.

Snyder and Warren both had arguments there were achievements made by the township that have largely benefited the community, such as the updated police station and the allocation of funds for the school district. They both agreed these achievements for the township would have failed if they had gone to a referendum first.

Upon public comment regarding the project, residents emphasized a referendum is important for the township, given the high cost that comes with the proposed center.