Board pays legal fee, signals withdrawal from regional solar contract after cost disputes

Harris Township supervisors on Sept. 9 voted to pay their share of outstanding legal fees related to a proposed regional solar power purchase agreement and to withdraw from the agreement thereafter. Staff said attorneys reduced a previously larger legal bill to an amount that represented the township’s share at about $469; some board members said they were prepared to pay this amount but not to continue funding further escalations.

Debate and rationale: Several supervisors and commenters said the project’s legal and administrative costs "grew out of proportion," and that larger partners had spent more money or may drop out, leaving smaller municipalities exposed. One supervisor summarized the motion: pay the $469 now, include a cover letter that this is the final legal payment, and exit the contract. A motion to that effect was seconded and passed; at least one supervisor recorded a dissenting vote.

Member concerns: Speakers questioned whether the township should continue to participate in a long‑term contract that could lock the municipality into unfavorable terms and said the township can achieve green‑energy goals by separate procurement if desired. An online comment read into the record urged that if the township can secure green energy independently, there may be no need to remain in the regional agreement.

Outcome and follow up: The board approved payment and signaled withdrawal from the regional solar purchase agreement. Staff did not specify subsequent administrative steps in detail during the meeting; board members asked that a letter accompany the payment making the township’s position clear.