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Salem Township auditors approve 2.8% raise for full-time roadmasters after contractor no‑show delays paving
Summary
At a Jan. 6 reorganizational meeting, the Salem Township Board of Auditors voted 2–1 to set the full‑time roadmaster hourly rate at $33.40 (a 2.8% increase), amid discussion about a 2025 paving contract awarded to Redstone that the board says was never scheduled to perform.
The Salem Township Board of Auditors voted on Jan. 6 to raise the full‑time roadmaster hourly rate to $33.40, a 2.8% increase, after a debate that centered on delayed roadwork and contractor performance. The motion, made by Chair Matt Rebitch and seconded by Nick Cornell, passed 2–1; Auditor David Leitza voted no.
Board members and attendees discussed a 2025 paving procurement in which Tresco initially received a higher bid estimate, then Hiles Construction and Redstone tied at a lower figure. According to Kerry Jobe, who described the bid sequence to the board, Redstone was later awarded the contract in August but did not schedule or perform the Forbes Road project despite repeated calls and emails, leaving the township on hold for completion next year.
Nick Cornell argued the proposed raise was too large and not fair to taxpayers; Rebitch said a larger increase was not granted the prior year because no roads were paved in 2024. David Leitza attempted to raise the wage to $34 per hour but his motion failed for lack of a second. The board discussed starting the bidding process earlier in the year to increase bidder participation, a point raised by Todd Paulich.
The meeting also included an exchange about vehicle use and road damage. Rebitch said the worst damage to Rock Springs Road occurred four days after he had publicly noted that Bob was at a Farm Bureau meeting on township time; when Rebitch asked Bob Zundel if he had been driving the plow truck, Zundel acknowledged he had. Suggestions to track roadmaster hours included a mechanical clock or a daily log; Debbie Perino referenced the 2nd class township code and recommended keeping a record of hours worked.
The board tabled Resolution No. 01‑2026, which would confirm roadmaster compensation, and scheduled a second auditors meeting for Jan. 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Salem Township Municipal Building to approve the Jan. 6 minutes and consider the resolution.
