Apr 2, 2003 By Josh Krysak 3 min read

PERRY TWP. – With many questions still unanswered about the township’s financial troubles, the township supervisors Tuesday authorized solicitor Mike Macko to begin legal action to recover money overpaid to two township supervisors in the late 1990s. “In the past administration we went back and did a three-year audit. In that three-year audit, there were some proposed misappropriations of money,” Supervisor A.J. Boni said. “We made a motion this evening to try to recoup our money.”

An independent audit of the township’s finances from 1997 to 1999, conducted by Cypher and Cypher public accountants in 2000, found that internal controls had failed, checks were paid out of incorrect funds and payroll taxes went unpaid. In addition, the report found that former Supervisor Rich Uhrin, in his capacity as secretary-treasurer, was overpaid $359,225 and current Supervisor Adam Muccioli was overpaid $36,126 for his former position as township roadmaster. The township, which remains under investigation by the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid taxes, accrued a total debt of 1.3 million in the late 1990s.

According to township Auditor Mark French, after the audit was done, the information and alleged abuses were turned over to Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon for further action. French said that submission to the prosecutor occurred more than two years ago, and the township taxpayers are still waiting for Vernon to take action.

“Nothing has been done,” French said. “The people of Perry Township want to see a criminal investigation.”

Boni verified French’s statements. He said that Vernon passed the case on to other authorities because she felt that it was not within her jurisdiction. Boni disagrees.

“I would be really thankful and the community would be really appreciative if she would rethink her last actions and look at this again and do the proper thing and file these charges,” he said.

Regardless of the district attorney’s actions, Boni said the township will begin pursuing other means to recoup township money.

“Mr. Macko will file suit against them in court, against Rich Uhrin and Adam Muccioli,” Boni said.

The motion carried, after a brief executive session to discuss the matter, by a 2-0 vote, with Boni and Supervisor Janet Galla supporting the action. Muccioli was not in attendance and could not be reached for comment after the meeting.

The supervisors also conducted the following business:

– Announced that the federal government will reimburse the township 75 percent of costs it incurred from the Presidents Day snowstorm. According to Boni, the township stands to receive about $4,900.

– Heard from resident Susan Firestone, who complained about the condition of her neighbor’s property. Boni said he will inform the township code enforcement officer, who will take action by the next meeting.

– Set the pension fund for township employees at $3,500, a $1,500 cut from last year’s rate.

– Reminded residents that burning in the township is restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays during daylight hours.