The Whitehall Township Board held its regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at Township Hall. Highlights below.
Consent agenda
Approved unanimously:
- Accounts payable, financials, and zoning report
- Minutes from the Aug. 14 special meeting and Aug. 24 regular meeting
Announcements
- Silver Creek water project paid in full: The township received a check for $99,000, the final payment for the Silver Creek Road water extension. Funds go to the township’s water account.
County update
District 1 County Commissioner provided a budget outlook for FY 2026:
- The county’s general-fund reserve target is 14–19%. It was 18.9% last year and is projected at 15.4% in the new budget.
- Salaries and benefits are the main cost drivers.
- Potential state revenue-sharing reductions next year (discussed statewide) could make balancing the budget harder.
New business
Clerk training approved
The Board authorized the Clerk to attend the Master Clerking educational seminar in Mount Pleasant, Dec. 2–4. Registration is $525 (with related travel/lodging).
Exploring residential rezonings on township parcels
The Board discussed township-owned parcels that may be suitable for future residential development. Staff were authorized to begin exploring potential rezoning options, including looking at feasibility, subdivision possibilities, and how different housing types might fit community needs.
At this stage, the review is exploratory only. No rezoning decisions have been made, and any formal proposals would return to the Board for consideration and follow the full public process.
Facilities & keys
Approved up to $150 to purchase a new key box for the server room and to streamline seasonal lock changes as the pickleball courts are winterized.
Public comment
Disc golf course & utility projects
Brian Mulnix, who maintains the township’s disc golf course, spoke during public comment and asked that those involved with the course be included in future discussions.
- The course is considered a valued community asset and attracts many visitors.
- Utility line clearing is planned in the area, and concerns were raised about potential impacts on the course layout.
- Cell tower siting has also been mentioned at a preliminary stage, though no formal plans have been filed.
Mulnix requested ongoing communication to help ensure that future projects do not unnecessarily disrupt the course.
Board comments
Attorney-fee clarification
Supervisor Dennis Kroll addressed concerns about legal costs:
- Many charges are reimbursable under Board-approved resolutions (e.g., through PUD/developer escrows).
- Some expenses had been miscoded to the general fund; corrections have been made (including legal costs tied to a prior land sale where the buyer agreed to cover legal fees).
- After offsets, year-to-date legal expenses sit at roughly $2,364 against a $4,000 annual budget at mid-year—well within plan.
Ambulance coverage discussion
A proposal from Fruitland Township regarding ambulance coverage is moving forward. Whitehall will finalize its rate this Wednesday and send the proposal. If the agreement proceeds, it may allow lower rates for Whitehall residents. Targeted service start is the 1st (pending final approval).
Upcoming
- Next regular meeting: October 27, 2025
