Council directs solicitor to review options for recouping borough property and creating device accountability policy

Following public comments questioning whether former officials who owe money to the borough could be required to reimburse or have stipends withheld, the council instructed its solicitor to review legal options and to propose a device accountability policy.

Multiple residents raised concerns about borough-issued phones, iPads and other equipment, and whether there is a statute of limitations for recouping unpaid bills or requiring repayment before issuing new devices. "Should counsel choose to implement such a policy? Absolutely," the solicitor said when asked about requiring a signed accountability agreement before issuing borough property.

Councilors discussed prior attempts to bill for equipment; staff said some bills were issued but enforcement lapsed after an administration change. Councilor comments suggested garnishment was a previously discussed remedy for unpaid borough bills, but the solicitor cautioned feasibility depends on the underlying legal claims and asked for time to review. The solicitor said he would examine device policy and return with recommendations, possibly early the following week.

The council directed the solicitor to evaluate recoverability of past debts and to draft a recommended policy that could include upfront signed agreements for future device issuance. No formal ordinance or policy was adopted at the meeting; the action was a direction to staff and counsel to report back.