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Residents press supervisors for solicitor billing transparency after $7,000 invoice
Summary
Residents asked for line-item detail and written procedures after a $7,000 invoice from Solicitor Falatovich; Planning Chair said developers sometimes go directly to the solicitor and recommended updated procedures so fees can be escrowed when appropriate.
Several residents used the Sept. 18 meeting to press supervisors for greater transparency around solicitor billing following a $7,000 invoice issued to the township.
Resident Tom Ridella asked for specifics on the charges and wanted written procedures and policies so the public and supervisors know what is being paid for. Resident Matt Rebitch asked whether invoices include unnecessary charges. Resident Lisa Segina asked Planning Commission Chair Connie Mattei whether some of the solicitor's work is planning-related rather than legal in nature. Mattei said developers and surveyors have at times contacted the solicitor directly instead of the township, which complicates billing and escrowing. "Sometimes there is more research than we ask for. He is doing his due diligence," Mattei said, and she recommended updating fee schedules and procedures before the SALDO is enacted so the township can recoup costs.
Resident Ed Rebitch recommended posting invoices online for transparency and suggested solicitors bill in 15-minute increments. The minutes record the questions and suggestions but do not show supervisors ordering immediate changes to billing or escrow procedures; the expenditure motion passed as reported.
The minutes identify Solicitor Falatovich as absent; no detailed line-item breakdown was provided in the meeting record.
