Heidelberg Township honors supervisor Ted Cromleigh after 12 years of service

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At Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors’ monthly meeting Tuesday, chairman Paul Fetter thanked secretary William “Ted” Cromleigh for his 12 years on the board.

Fetter presented Cromleigh with a citation from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and read a statement from the organization.

“With dedicated individuals like you having served in Pennsylvania local government, we can rest assured that the quality of township life will continue to survive and thrive as innovation meets tradition,” said Fetter, reading from the statement signed by PSATS executive director David Sanko. “We commend you for a job exceptionally well done. The residents of your township are fortunate to have benefited from your leadership and can take great pride in all that you have accomplished on their behalf.”

Cromleigh ran for reelection in the Republican primary against newcomer Ivan Martin, who secured the nomination. Martin was unopposed in the general election, which he won. Martin will take office at the board’s January reorganization meeting.

Cromleigh said he “accepted the position of township supervisor 12 years ago with the intent of modernizing the township to move forward into the 21st century and keep Heidelberg Township a great place to raise our families.”

In that time, Cromleigh said, the township finished constructing and setting up a sanitary sewer system, significantly improved the public water system, and guided the public works department (which also maintains the township’s water and sewer systems). He highlighted technological upgrades, the establishment of a Local Services Tax (which goes toward emergency responders), park improvements, zoning updates, and an updated stormwater management ordinance.

“As I leave the position, I think the township has worked very hard to keep an overall balance to ensure that everyone’s quality of life is protected, not just one single group,” said Cromleigh. “I wish the new board the best of luck and hope they can continue to improve the overall quality of life to the equal benefit of all township residents.

Supervisors also took action on several end-of-year items:

• Unanimously approved a resolution accepting their 2026 minimal municipal obligation.
• Unanimously passed resolutions adopting tax rates as follows, with no tax increases (following the passage of the budget last month):
  • Real estate tax: .07444 mills per $100 of assessed value, or .7444 mills (standard)
  • Street light tax: 50 cents per front footage
  • Fire hydrant tax: .0001055 mills per $100 of assessed value, or .001055 mills (standard)
• Unanimously passed a resolution concerning a tax penalty for non-payment of taxes.
• Unanimously approved the 2026 fee schedule.
• Heard that COLA plans to increase sewer rates for 2026.

Read More: City of Lebanon Authority to increase sewer rates, maintain water rates for ’26

In other news, supervisors:

• Unanimously agreed to release the letter of credit for 230 Millbach Road and accept a cash escrow of $1,610 for the property. The full letter of credit was over $30,000, the majority of which was released due to work completed. A new escrow was accepted as the property was sold to a new owner. Remaining items are final inspection, an as-built plan, and vegetation.
• Unanimously agreed to approve PennDOT scoping meeting minutes. The meeting, concerning traffic study requirements for the potential Sheetz on the Dan Keller lot, was attended remotely by township staff. PennDOT requested approval of the minutes, which staff deferred to supervisors.

• Unanimously agreed to a conflict waiver from Stevens & Lee, which has represented the township as bond counsel, as they are looking to represent Sheetz as they look to build in the township.
• Discussed an emergency call system, which would be able to notify residents in the event of water main breaks or other emergencies. The system charges $150 per 1,000 credits, with a minimum $150 purchase annually to retain the system. Fetter asked for more information about the system’s cyber-security, with plans to revisit the topic during the reorganizational meeting.
• Unanimously agreed to apply for a $25,000 Marcellus Shale grant for a potential walking trail extension.

Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.