At the March 9, meeting of the North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors, officials discussed a potential increase in the Earned Income Tax to help fund farmland and open space preservation.

The proposal would increase the township’s EIT from 1% to 1.25%, with the township retaining the additional revenue.

Board members said a strong public information campaign would be needed to explain the proposal and encourage residents to support the measure.

The idea originated from the township’s farmland and open space preservation committee and is supported by findings in the township’s comprehensive plans and public surveys, which indicate many residents favor additional land preservation efforts.

If approved by voters, the tax could generate significantly more funding for preservation.

Township officials estimated the tax could bring in about $360,000 annually at a 0.1% rate and up to $900,000 annually at the maximum 0.25% rate allowed under state law.

Supporters said the additional funding would allow the township to purchase development rights or land when opportunities arise.

Several farms remain on waiting lists for preservation funding and some landowners may prefer selling land directly to the township rather than waiting for county programs.

Some supervisors expressed concern about introducing another tax, noting the township recently implemented a fire tax and may face future costs related to emergency services or policing.

Others suggested studying how much farmland could realistically be developed before asking residents to approve a tax increase.

Officials emphasized the board would only be voting to place the question on the ballot, not to enact the tax itself.

Residents would ultimately decide the issue through a referendum.

If approved, the revenue would be placed in a separate fund that can only be used for land preservation and related improvements.

The board voted to move forward with placing a 0.25% EIT referendum on the ballot and to begin an educational campaign ahead of the November election.

Brian Horwith, chairman of the township’s planning commission, said the proposed referendum could be an important tool for preserving farmland as development continues in the township.

He noted recent proposals for hundreds of new homes and said officials should clearly explain the goal of the tax and how much funding they intend to raise so voters understand its purpose.

Horwith also pointed out North Whitehall’s relatively low 1% earned income tax attracts residents compared to nearby municipalities with higher rates.

However, he said a strong public information campaign will be necessary because voters who initially support the idea of a tax may reconsider when it appears on the ballot.

Mike Kukitz, director of grants, preservation and trails, also informed the board the township could take steps to become eligible for funding through the Highlands Conservation Act grant program, which recently expanded its boundaries to include North Whitehall.

The federally funded program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides grants for land acquisition.

Applications are submitted through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rather than directly by municipalities.

Kukitz noted several local projects have already received Highlands funding, including a recent $730,000 grant to Northampton County to preserve about 43 acres.

The resolution approved by the board would place the township on a list of potential applicants, allowing it to seek funding in the future for farmland preservation, natural areas, or land for recreation.