WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners are considering an ordinance that, if approved by voters, would change how taxes are levied and collected.
A proposed amendment to the Whitehall Township home rule charter would eliminate the treasurer position with the appointment of a full-time finance director. This change, according to the legislation, would “increase internal efficiency, better coordinate government action and reduce waste.”
The new finance director would be Whitehall’s township treasurer and tax collector, and would have all the powers and duties now vested by state law in treasurers and tax collectors.
The prospective finance director would be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the board of commissioners. The person would serve “an indefinite term, to be determined by the mayor.” Should a vacancy occur, then the mayor would appoint an interim finance director to serve until a new permanent finance director is appointed and confirmed.
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The legislation names three qualifications for the post. The first is that the finance director is a U.S. citizen. The second is that person must be at least 25 years old. The third requires the individual “be qualified by education and experience in financial management and public finance.”
The ordinance indicates the finance director’s salary will be established by the board through an ordinance. The finance director will also have a staff at a compensation determined necessary by the mayor through the budget which is approved by the board.
The finance director will serve as the “chief financial advisor” to government officials such as the mayor, board and township departments. The person will receive, collect, account for and deposit all taxes into the township treasury.
If the board approves the ordinance, that would place it on November’s general election ballot.
Lehigh Valley Hospital Network rezoning
The board advanced an ordinance to rezone property owned by Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Under the provision, the 147-acre parcel of land, located at 3230 MacArthur Road, would be changed from R-2 Low Density Residential and R-4 Medium Density Residential, to R-3 Low/Medium Density Residential. The change, according to the bill, would benefit Whitehall Township’s citizens. Specifically, this would enhance their “health, safety and welfare,” the document states.
The change would allow the organization to establish a hospital and residential units. A total of 107 of the 147 acres would be allocated to residential zoning. The plan features 190 units.
The board did not discuss the ordinance Monday night nor was any public comment allowed.