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Franklin County hires firm to investigate Washington Township tax collector
Summary
The Board approved an engagement letter with accounting firm RKL to perform a forensic investigation limited to the Washington Township tax collector covering January 2021 through the present; the contract is not to exceed $30,000, and commissioners were told the tax collector is independently elected and outside the county's direct authority.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on July 22 approved an engagement letter with RKL, an accounting firm, to perform a forensic investigation limited to the Washington Township tax collector covering the period January 2021 through the present. County solicitor Elliot Salkove presented the engagement and said the firm will examine county-held and external documents as needed.
"Before you this morning, as Carrie said, is an engagement letter from RKL, which is an accounting firm ... to provide forensic investigation services regarding the office of the Washington township tax collector," Salkove said. He told commissioners the engagement is limited to that tax collector and that documents outside county possession could take longer to obtain and review.
Commissioners clarified that Pennsylvania tax collectors are independently elected and separate from county authority. Salkove explained the state system is unusual compared with other states and confirmed that the county does not directly control tax collectors. The engagement carries a not-to-exceed fee of $30,000; Salkove said that amount reflects an initial scope and that the county would be notified if the consultant nears the limit and an amendment or new agreement were needed.
The Board voted in favor of the engagement after brief questions about scope and timing. County staff said they will return to the Board if the consultant needs to expand its scope or the anticipated costs increase.
