(4/15) The Liberty Township Board of Auditors continues to ignore a request from the board of supervisors’ vice chair.
Supervisor Bobby Keilhotlz began February’s meeting by criticizing the auditors for giving the road crew a uniformed 10 percent raise without knowing how much each person made. Roadmaster Walter "Mickey" Barlow’s hourly wage is currently the same as that of his crew. The auditors set Barlow’s pay since he is a supervisor. They also said the pay rate for Keiholtz, who is the assistant roadmaster.
"It has been my experience, throughout my working career, that a foreman, supervisor, or superior is at a higher rate of pay than a regular employee," Keilhotlz said.
Keilhotlz said Barlow is required to hold many more certifications than others on the road crew.
During April’s board meeting, Keilhotlz noted two months has passed since his remarks and he has yet to receive a response from the board of auditors.
Board of Auditors Vice Chair Richard Swiat was in the audience and told Keilhotlz that only Chair Kathryn Bostek can call a meeting of the auditors.
"She obviously didn’t need the feeling to revisit it," Swiat said.
Swiat asked if the auditors were legally allowed to change Barlow’s salary after the annual meeting in January. Township Solicitor John Lisko said he was not sure but would research the question.
"I don’t want us to make a decision and have it thrown back into our face by the government," Swiat said.
Swiat told Keilhotlz he would remind Bostek of his request.
In other business, Barlow announced spring cleaning is underway in Liberty Township.
Township Administrative Assistant Hannah enrolled the township in PennDOT’s Pick-Up Pennsylvania Program. PennDOT gave the township gloves, safety vests, and trash bags to distribute to volunteers. The program began March 1 and ends May 31. Anyone needing supplies should visit the township office at 39 Topper Road.
Barlow expressed appreciation for volunteers who have been participating and noted some of them have been out almost every day.
The township will host an electronic recycling event on May 13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Park’s Garbage Service who live in Carroll Valley and Fairfield boroughs, and Freedom, Hamiltonban, Highland, and Liberty townships can dispose of items such as computers, copiers, keyboards, printers, and routers for no charge. A complete list of accepted items is available on the township website, www.libertytwpadamspa.gov.
