Unity Township supervisors got pay raises of 3 percent based on the ruling of township auditors at the board's annual reorganization meeting Wednesday.
Mike O'Barto, Tim Quinn and Jake Blank each will make $52,910.95 annually for their services as roadmasters, a $1,550 increase from the $51,360.95 salary each has earned since 2005.
"We're very satisfied with the job these men are doing," said Faye Musick, who was reappointed board chairwoman at yesterday's meeting.
As supervisors of the second-class township, the three will continue to earn $4,125 annually as determined by state government. They will receive the same vacation privileges and benefits packages as last year and the same vehicle reimbursement rates of $500 per month.
Board member Paul Ferry joined Musick in approving the compensation increase, but board member Ronald Kuhns withheld his endorsement of the move until supervisors complete their search for a new township solicitor.
The auditors last January recommended the supervisors search for a new solicitor that would charge less than the $175 per hour in expenses and retainer fees charged to the township by McDonald, Snyder and Lightcap PC, of Latrobe.
"From the report I received from the township, we paid our solicitor $124,286.74 (last year)," Kuhns said. "I'm sure they (supervisors) can find someone more reasonable."
At Tuesday's annual supervisors reorganization meeting, O'Barto motioned to not retain the currently-employed firm as township solicitor, a move that was voted down by Blank and Quinn. Blank and Quinn then outvoted O'Barto in granting the firm 30 extra days of employment while supervisors survey the service costs of other law firms before making their decision on whether or not to hire a replacement.
In other business, Ferry was reappointed vice chairman, and Kuhns was reappointed board secretary.
