North Whitehall Township supervisors reviewed the township’s financial position July 13, hearing reports on a $1 million investment, approving midyear budget adjustments and advancing a proposed earned income tax referendum that will appear on the November ballot.

Near the end of the meeting, township officials presented a video promoting the referendum, which asks voters whether they want to replace the current 0.1-mill open space property tax with a 0.15% earned income tax.

Township officials said the measure’s primary goal is preserving farmland and open space. In addition to the video, the township plans to release additional informational shorts and other advertising materials and will host an open house and workshop Sept. 14 for residents to discuss the proposal with township department heads.

Finance director/treasurer Seth O’Neill told the board the township recently invested $1 million while continuing to maintain a “cash-rich” general fund because of tax revenue collections. O’Neill said he is developing a simplified summary of the treasurer’s report to provide a higher-level overview of township finances and plans to present more detailed financial statements at the board’s August meeting.

O’Neill also presented a midyear budget adjustment resolution, noting that a severe winter season drove snow removal expenses well above budget. The township exceeded its road salt budget by approximately $100,000 and incurred about $30,000 in overtime costs because many snow and ice events occurred during evenings and weekends. Increased plowing activity also resulted in higher equipment maintenance costs. Additional expenses related to litigation and engineering projects contributed to the need for more than $500,000 in budget appropriations. Following discussion, supervisors approved the budget adjustment resolution.

Earlier in the meeting, Township Manager Randy Cope read a proclamation honoring Jane Kelly for 20 years of service to the township. The proclamation recognized Kelly’s contributions in planning and permitting, newsletter publication, coordination of township services and other administrative responsibilities.

Under new business, supervisors approved a resolution updating the township employee handbook for the first time since 2021. The revisions reflect changes in laws, updated information and workplace trends. The handbook now formally includes the township’s maternity leave policy, which had previously been implemented through a separate resolution.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing an application for a Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund grant to support bridge repairs on Quarry Road and Echo Road.

Additionally, supervisors authorized seeking bids for possible expansion of the Ironton Rail Trail. Proposed options include extending the trail to Quarry Road rather than ending at Levans Road or connecting the trail to Levans Park. Despite safety concerns raised by Supervisor Richard Semmel regarding a potential crosswalk at Levans Road, the board approved the motion.