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South Whitehall Board adopts 2026 budget, enacts 0.1% open‑space EIT and raises fire tax
Summary
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners on Dec. 3 adopted the township's 2026 budget, enacted a voter‑approved 0.1% earned‑income tax for open‑space preservation and increased the dedicated fire tax to 75 mills to fund a 10‑year capital plan for fire apparatus; multiple utility and service rate resolutions also passed 5–0.
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 budget and a package of tax and rate measures at its Dec. 3 meeting, saying the changes will fund a 10‑year capital plan for fire apparatus and preserve open space.
The board adopted the 2026 calendar‑year budget by unanimous vote. Director of Finance Trisha Dickert said the budget was prepared under a zero‑based approach and will be posted on the township website. "The full financial statement was posted to the township website," Dickert said during the meeting, noting general‑fund revenues were about 90% of expected through October and expenses were trending below budget.
As part of the fiscal package, the board enacted an earned‑income tax (EIT) of 0.1% for open‑space acquisition and preservation, implementing a referendum voters approved Nov. 4. Township staff said they will file the ordinance with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to meet statutory deadlines; the board adopted the ordinance 5–0.
The board also adopted an ordinance fixing the township's 2026 property tax structure that includes a raise to the dedicated fire tax. Staff reported the general‑purpose millage at 2.849750 and said the dedicated fire tax will increase to 75 mills, producing a combined rate cited in the meeting as roughly 3.59975 mills. Commissioners said the fire‑tax increase is intended to fund scheduled apparatus replacements over the coming decade. One commissioner summarized the approach: "Property taxes are, in my view, a last‑resort option," saying the increase is targeted and tied to specific public‑safety equipment needs.
Several related rate and charge resolutions passed unanimously: - Water service rates: staff said the township will keep residential water rates identical to 2025 levels despite wholesale increases from Lehigh County Authority. - Sewer rates: the board approved a roughly 4% increase to help finance the Klein's Island expansion; staff reported a base sewer charge of $38 and a per‑1,000‑gallon charge of $5.17. (Transcript included an additional per‑unit figure that was unclear and is not stated here.) - Municipal solid‑waste charges: the annual refuse charge was set at $660 per household ($165 per quarter), unchanged from the current contract. Staff said the income threshold for the low‑income senior refuse discount was increased and that outreach to eligible seniors will be expanded.
During public comment on the tax item, a longtime fire‑service member urged the board to recognize market factors driving apparatus cost and delivery times, saying consolidation among manufacturers has pushed prices and lead times up: "Four years to get a truck delivered and they’re driving the cost," the commenter said. The board acknowledged those concerns while stressing the capital plan is meant to ensure equipment availability and reliability.
All budget‑ and tax‑related actions passed by voice vote, recorded as 5–0 in favor. The adopted budget and supporting documents, including the 10‑year capital plan, will be posted online.
