Board of auditors tables resolution to hire outside counsel over records dispute

The Board of Auditors of Barrett Township voted to table a resolution that would have authorized the board to retain Goldstein Law Partners LLC to seek township financial and administrative records and, if necessary, petition the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas under the Second Class Township Code.

The resolution as read by the meeting's presiding auditor said the board sought counsel "to obtain township records and to discharge" statutory audit duties and authorized counsel to demand documents and pursue reasonable efforts to avoid litigation. The chair framed the vote as limited: "It is only about whether the board of auditors should have its own lawyer to give us advice about our rights and duties," the chair said. After extended public questioning about what specific records are missing and repeated requests to clarify the so-called "disagreement," auditor Paul Baker moved to table the resolution to allow time to pursue records and alternatives. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor of tabling the item; the chair and staff noted that reopening the item will require another advertised meeting.