Auditors approve 2026 pay and benefits for roadmasters after debate over contractor delays and a contested raise

The Salem Township Board of Auditors approved a set of 2026 wages, benefits and policies for full‑ and part‑time roadmasters on Jan. 6, 2026, after a discussion that highlighted delayed paving work by a contractor and a split vote on the full‑time wage.

On the primary compensation question, Matt Rebitch moved to set the full‑time roadmaster hourly rate at $33.40 (a 2.8% increase from $32.50 in 2025). David Leitza offered an alternate motion to set the rate at $34.00, but that alternate motion died for lack of a second. The board then voted 2–1 in favor of the $33.40 rate; Leitza cast the lone no vote.

Discussion leading up to the wage vote centered on public works activity in 2024 and 2025. Kerry explained a procurement sequence that delayed paving: Tresco initially received the COG bid award but sought to require use of its materials, prompting a rebid. Three bids arrived in May or June: Tresco at $152,000 and both Hiles Construction and Redstone at $102,000. A tie between the two lowest bidders required further review; Redstone—prequalified with PennDOT and previously experienced with municipal work—was awarded the August bid but failed to schedule or complete the job, leaving the Forbes Road project on hold for the following year.

Board members questioned continuing to work with a contractor that did not meet scheduling expectations. David Leitza said supervisors should consider severing ties with a contractor after repeated delays; Todd Paulich recommended starting the bidding process earlier in the year to improve responsiveness.

The meeting also adopted a series of personnel policies and benefits for roadmasters by unanimous vote: part‑time roadmaster pay was set at $31.40 per hour; overtime for full‑time roadmasters was established at time‑and‑one‑half for hours worked in excess of 40 in a week (including paid holidays, sick and vacation time); full‑time vacation was set at 19 days per year with up to five days carryover and a requirement that carried days be used the following year at the pay rate in effect when earned; sick leave was set at eight days per year with carryover and an accumulation cap of 30 days paid at the earned rate; a list of paid holidays was adopted; and participation in the township’s existing pension and medical, dental, life and disability plans was authorized under the same terms as other full‑time employees.

Other compensation items approved included a $225 annual boot allowance (up from $200 in 2025) and a mileage reimbursement rate of 72.5 cents per mile for 2026, following PSATS notification of the rate. The board noted concerns about vehicle use and accountability; Matt Rebitch reminded staff they are entitled to reimbursement and suggested better tracking. Kelly Otto will serve as the board’s secretary and will record formal minutes. To finalize the compensation package, the board tabled Resolution No. 01‑2026 and scheduled a second auditors meeting for Jan. 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to adopt the resolution and approve the minutes.

Notable exchanges included a dispute about road damage on Rock Springs Road near Rebitch’s property. Matt said the damage appeared four days after he publicly stated that Bob had been in a Farm Bureau meeting on township time; Bob Zundel acknowledged driving the truck that damaged the road. Matt said he “doesn’t believe in coincidences” when discussing the timing. The board also discussed whether roadmasters should clock in/out or keep written time logs; Debbie Perino cited the Second Class Township Code’s guidance that timebooks be kept.

The follow‑up meeting set for Jan. 21 will formally consider Resolution No. 01‑2026. The January 6 session adjourned at 6:46 p.m.