Charleroi refuses to pay for unauthorized work
Charleroi Council on Thursday declined to make a $129,099.17 payment to Morgan Excavating L.P. for what it deemed unauthorized work performed in 2012.
The borough’s position is that the storm sewer and street-improvement work was not authorized by Washington County Redevelopment Authority. Solicitor Alan Benyak said because the additional work that was performed was not authorized by the authority, the borough is not obligated to pay for it. He added in his opinion, the statute of limitations expired on or about June 30, 2016, for the filing of a lawsuit. A letter will be sent to Morgan Excavating explaining the solicitor’s opinion.
In another matter, Councilman Larry Celaschi gave an update concerning the borough’s contribution to Charleroi Area Regional Police Department. At a recent police board meeting, a motion was passed to change the article of agreement to include the number of calls in determining contributions. The original article of agreement used a formula of geography, population and per capita.
The board, which was formed in 2012, is made up of three boroughs, Charleroi, North Charleroi and Speers. Charleroi is the base for the police department.
Celaschi said the motion to include the number of calls, which passed the regional board by a vote of 5-2, could potentially increase the borough’s annual contribution by as much as $80,000. “We already contribute the most, and we house the department, “said Celaschi. He added the borough has declining population and an older population, and the added cost would be a strain to the residents and the borough.
Charleroi Area Regional Police Chief Eric Porter said the addition of the police calls to the article of agreement is a common practice. “Most departments across the country include the police calls in their agreement,” he said.
However, Benyak argued the article of agreement cannot be changed without all of the boroughs voting in favor of the change.
Council President Paul Pivovarnik said the next regular meeting of the Charleroi Area Regional Police Department Board will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday in city hall.
Council went into executive session before voting to readvertise the public works director position.