Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents question inspection billing as Salem Township approves $202,821.61 in expenditures
Summary
Salem Township supervisors approved $202,821.61 in monthly expenditures while residents pressed the board for clearer accounting of building-permit and SALDO fees and possible omissions on Jobe Inspection Services invoices.
Salem Township supervisors approved $202,821.61 in monthly expenditures on Jan. 21, 2026, while residents asked for clearer accounting of building-permit and SALDO receipts.
The board approved payments across funds — General Fund $125,327.19; Payroll $71,562.38; and smaller fund disbursements — on a motion by Bob Zundel, seconded by Todd Paulich. Supervisors Kerry Jobe, Zundel and Paulich voted unanimously to pass the motion.
Resident Connie Mattei said Jobe Inspection Services’ invoice lists building permits whose fees “do not add up correctly,” and that the total consistently excludes a $25 occupancy‑permit fee. Mattei also said the invoice lists fees for a certificate of occupancy and certificate of completion that are not included on the Jobe Inspection Services fee schedule passed Jan. 5, 2026.
Solicitor Falco Muscante responded that because the invoice amount is less than the fees shown on the bill sheet, “since the invoice is less than what is on the bill sheet and not more, it can be approved as is,” and that the township will bill the applicant for the occupancy permit rather than approving payment that would short‑change the township.
Public commenter Tom Ridella asked whether SALDO receipts and expenses are balanced and requested a balance sheet showing amounts collected from applicants versus township expenses. Ridella also asked that elected auditors work with the township CPA during the audit. Board members said the audit question was for the auditors to resolve; Kerry Jobe suggested auditors consider PSATS training resources.
Resident Eric Hageder said the township would not be at net zero because “there is a cost of doing business,” and asked whether Solicitor Falatovich’s last invoice had been received; Secretary‑Treasurer Kelly Otto confirmed it was his final invoice.
The board approved the expenditures after the public discussion and carried the motion unanimously. The minutes show disclosures were filed for supervisors’ routine business dealings with certain vendors.
