Colts Neck committee clashes over affordable-housing legal fees as it approves $5.89 million in vouchers

Colts Neck TownshipCommittee members approved $5,891,923.19 in monthly vouchers at their May 13 meeting while a heated discussion unfolded about the townships use of outside legal counsel on affordable-housing matters.

Deputy Mayor and finance chair said the vouchers include the collections and disbursements the township processes on taxpayersbehalf, citing $1,924,152.58 to Monmouth County, $1,600,758 to the Colts Neck Board of Education and $1,131,548 to Freehold Regional High School. The committee approved the vouchers by roll call after members recorded exceptions on limited line items.

The meetings most contentious discussion concerned charges from the townships affordable-housing counsel. Committeeman Tobia singled out the firm handling much of the townships affordable-housing litigation and planning, saying the bills are excessive. "I think this firm is overcharging us," he said, pointing to one months listings that totaled about $73,062 and noting individual charges billed at $325 an hour and specific line items he called unwarranted. He asked the township attorney to review invoices and to reduce referrals to the firm, saying a lower-cost counsel could handle some work.

Other committee members defended the retained firm and the strategy. One member noted the firm produced results in prior rounds of Mount Laurel litigation and helped the township secure a judgment of final Mount Laurel compliance and a judgment of repose. "When you fight, sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose," a member said in defense of the law firms past work and the decision to litigate when necessary.

The committee also discussed hiring Michael Collins as special counsel on certain matters and reallocating work to reduce fees. Concerns about disclosing attorney-client privileged strategy during open meeting remarks were raised and members cautioned colleagues to avoid revealing confidential litigation strategy in public.

On housing program specifics, the deputy mayor reported progress on a separate, parallel path to meet state affordable-housing obligations: 34 unit owners at a local development have agreed to extend affordability controls and will receive $40,000 each in exchange for keeping their units affordable for 30 years; letters to owners will be sent this week following the expiration of a 40-day appeal period.

Separately, the committee introduced ordinance 2026-10 to authorize the sale of 34 Federal Key (block 41.01 lot 43) for the purpose of maintaining affordable housing and set a public hearing for May 27, 2026. One committee member recused on the introduction vote.

The committee scheduled an executive session at the end of the public meeting to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters; no action was taken publicly following the vote to enter executive session. The next regular meeting is May 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Details on voucher line items, legal invoices and the ordinance text are available in the meeting packet and the ordinance will be open for public comment at the May 27 hearing.