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Residents press Salem supervisors for itemized solicitor billing and clearer procedures
Summary
During public comment, residents questioned a $7,000 solicitor invoice and urged line-item billing and online posting of invoices; Planning Commission Chair said developers often consult the solicitor directly and recommended updating fee procedures before implementing the SALDO.
Residents used the public-comment portion of the Sept. 18 Salem Township supervisors' meeting to press for more transparency around legal billing related to planning work.
Resident Tom Ridella asked for an explanation of charges on a $7,000 invoice from Solicitor Falatovich and said "the Supervisor's should know what they are paying for," requesting written procedures and policies. Matt Rebitch and Ed Rebitch echoed concerns about potential overbilling; Ed Rebitch suggested uploading invoices online and using solicitor billing software that bills in 15-minute increments to improve transparency.
Planning Commission Chair Connie Mattei replied that developers and surveyors have sometimes gone directly to the solicitor rather than routing questions through the township and recommended updating fee schedules and procedures before enacting the SALDO so the township can recoup appropriate costs. Mattei also said some legal work reflects additional research and due diligence by the solicitor.
Board response: Supervisors recorded residents' concerns but did not produce an itemized invoice during the meeting; no change to solicitor practice was adopted at this session.
Next steps: The minutes show residents asked for written procedures and line-item billing; the Board may consider those requests at a future meeting or require additional documentation before approving similar invoices.
