A.
As provided for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Preservation Act, as amended by Act 153 of 1996 32 P.S. § 5001 et seq.) a referendum shall be conducted during the November 2024 general election for the registered voters of East Whiteland Township to vote whether they are in favor of the imposition of an increase to the earned income tax in an amount not to exceed 5/100 of 1% (0.05%) and the imposition of an increase in the property tax at a rate not to exceed 0.45 mills ($0.45 per $1,000.00 assessed valuation) to be used by East Whiteland Township to raise revenue for purposes of securing open space benefits.
B.
The referendum shall be governed by the provisions of the Act of June 3, 1937 (P.L. 1333, No. 230) known as "the Pennsylvania Election Code" (25 P.S. § 600 et seq.).
C.
The question to be placed on the ballot shall be framed in the following form:
"Do you favor the imposition of a tax on the earned income of Township Residents at a rate not to exceed five one hundredths (5/100th) of one percent (.05%) and an increase in the real property tax at a rate not to exceed 0.45 mills ($0.45 per $1,000 assessed valuation) for the purpose of preserving natural resources, maintaining wildlife habitat, protecting environmentally sensitive areas, and providing recreational lands by the Township of East Whiteland to be used to retire indebtedness incurred in purchasing interests in or acquisition of real property for natural resource protection, open space preservation, and public recreation."
D.
Within 60 days of passage of the referendum the Township Supervisors shall by ordinance or resolution establish an Open Space Review Board which shall consist of at least five Township residents and who shall be responsible for establishing the procedure for reviewing open space property interests considered for acquisition, for rating the relative desirability of interests in particular parcels of real estate, and for recommending the price the Township will pay.
E.
The appropriate officers of the Board are authorized to take whatever actions are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose and intent of this article.