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Residents press supervisors for transparency over solicitor billing and planning interactions
Summary
Multiple residents questioned a $7,000 invoice from Solicitor Falatovich and raised broader transparency concerns about developers working directly with the solicitor; Planning Chair Connie Mattei advised updating fee schedules and procedures before the SALDO enactment.
Residents used the Sept. 18 meeting to press the board for clearer billing detail and procedures after the township's solicitor submitted a roughly $7,000 invoice for work on planning matters.
Tom Ridella asked for specifics of the charges and urged written procedures so supervisors can understand what they are paying for. Matt Rebitch questioned whether the township might be overbilled for unnecessary items. Planning Commission Chair Connie Mattei told the board that "there has been a pattern of Developers and Surveyors being comfortable going directly to Solicitor Falatovich rather than to the Township" and recommended updating fee schedules and procedures prior to enacting the SALDO so the township can recoup costs.
Resident Ed Rebitch proposed posting invoices online to create transparency and suggested the solicitor bill in 15‑minute increments to make review easier. The board unanimously approved the month's expenditures, which included the solicitor invoice within an approved total of $171,198.01, but did not at the meeting change procedures; supervisors indicated it will take time to work through a process for clearer line‑item detail.
The public discussion flagged three near‑term follow‑ups: (1) clarify which solicitor tasks are legal versus administrative/planning, (2) consider updates to fee schedules and escrow processes tied to the SALDO, and (3) explore posting invoices or more detailed billing information online.
