Salem supervisors approve $171,198.01 in monthly expenditures as residents press for solicitor‑billing transparency

The Salem Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Sept. 18 to approve monthly expenditures totaling $171,198.01 across the General Fund, Payroll Fund, Machinery, Liquid Fuels, Street Lights and Sewer Revenue accounts. The motion was made by Ken Trumbetta and seconded by Kerry Jobe; Supervisors Bob Zundel, Kenneth Trumbetta and Kerry Jobe voted in favor.

During the expenditures discussion residents pressed the board for more detail on a $7,000 invoice listed for Solicitor Falatovich. Resident Tom Ridella asked for itemized explanations and said the board should know what it is paying for and “would like to see written procedures and policies in place,” per the meeting minutes. Other residents — Matt Rebitch and Lisa Segina — asked whether the township might be overbilled for work not strictly necessary. Resident Ed Rebitch suggested posting invoices online and recommended the solicitor bill in 15‑minute increments to increase transparency.

Planning Commission Chair Connie Mattei told supervisors that developers and surveyors sometimes go directly to the solicitor rather than through township staff, which can complicate fee recovery and oversight. Mattei recommended updating fees and procedures before the township’s SALDO (subdivision and land‑development ordinance) is enacted to enable the township to recoup legal costs associated with planning reviews.

The board did not alter the approved expenditures during the meeting; the motion to pay invoices passed unanimously. Residents pressed for written procedures and more itemized billing documentation as a next step; no formal change to solicitor billing practice was adopted at the meeting.