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Residents press Lebanon committee over rising NAR litigation costs; attorney says cases remain pending
Summary
Public commenters questioned steep recent legal payments tied to NAR litigation and urged the township not to settle; the township attorney explained limits on public discussion during pending litigation and the committee authorized an executive session covering litigation, bargaining and personnel.
Several residents at the Oct. 1 Lebanon Township meeting raised alarm about recent litigation spending tied to lawsuits involving NAR and a developer.
Robert Foster told the committee that litigation payments recorded this month totaled $39,479.70, adding to $13,240 in July for a two‑month total of $52,719.70. "I just wanna make sure everybody's aware of where our tax dollars are going," he said.
Christine DiLorenzo urged residents and candidates to "do your homework," defended the township’s decisions before the zoning board and noted that some counts in the developer’s litigation have been dismissed while other parts remain before the court.
Township counsel cautioned that pending litigation limits what officials can publicly discuss. The attorney described multiple active matters (including a hemp case and a cannabis‑related case), said the township has insurer‑provided defense in some matters and explained that minutes or records may be redacted while negotiations or litigation are active. "If the law says a, it means a," he said, noting officials must preserve privilege and not disclose strategic information while cases are pending.
Following the public comments and counsel’s remarks, the committee adopted Resolution 175‑2025 to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining, land acquisition, contract negotiations, pending litigation, attorney‑client privilege and personnel. Potential action was left unclear pending the closed session.
