May 11, 2007 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – A long-standing practice that permits supervisors to collect a set reimbursement amount was challenged Thursday by a township auditor and resident. Pat Graham who has served 16 years as an auditor said that he has yet to sign off on the 2006 audit because it is unclear to him as to why supervisors are being paid $1,725 in addition to their annual salary of $1,875.

“I don’t know what it is for,” said Graham.

Marlene Grenell, who presented the accounting document to the supervisors, explained that “many years ago” the auditors, including Graham, determined that an allowance, rather than continual accounting procedures to document mileage, postage, time spent for special monthly meetings, telephone costs, or other reimbursable amounts, would be more feasible and that practice has continued to be followed by subsequent auditors.

“It is a bargain to the township taxpayers,” said Grenell.

Resident Robert Goodwin, however, said that the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code does not provide authorization for an additional compensation.

“The mileage reimbursement doesn’t bother me,” he said following the meeting. “But, everything else is administrative costs.

“When they (the supervisors) took the oath of office, they said they would do the job for $1,875.”

Township solicitor, attorney Richard Bower, said that after reviewing the statute and the lack of action taken by previous legal counsel regarding the reimbursement figure, he believes it is allowable.

Pointing to figures submitted by Supervisor Sally Stoots that include 304 miles traveled for township business and 35 hours spent conducting related business on behalf of the municipality in 2007, she would be permitted to collect nearly $900 if given the Internal Revenue Service rate of 48-cents per mile and $20 per hour for time spent other than attending regular meetings.

“The supervisors have never asked for any extra money,” said Bower.

Grenell, meanwhile, said that when the auditors met in January, the salary and reimbursement amount was unanimously approved by the panel that included her, Graham and auditor John Malone.

“This is not something new that we just did,” she said. “The (set) reimbursement was given trusting that the supervisors were doing their job.”

Bower said that the auditors can revisit the issue when they meet in January, but are not permitted to reverse the action until that time.

In a related matter, Grenell commended township secretary/treasurer for the completeness of the financial records.

Turning to other matters, the supervisors conducted the following business:

Notified residents that the Fayette County Hard To Recycle Items event will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. A fee will be charged for disposal of certain large items including tires and larger appliances.

Alerted residents that are age 18 and over that they are required to pay the $8 township per capita tax.

Advised residents living in mobile home parks that the township does not prohibit swimming pools from being erected provided guidelines tied to gates and fencing are followed.

Agreed to contract with Higbee Insurance of Connellsville for insurance coverage at a cost of $14,786.

Directed Brothers to advertise for paving bids after it is determined what roadways will be upgraded.