This past year, municipalities and public bodies to reduce costs have renegotiated fees or changed attorneys because of the sluggish economy.

The Town of Mamakating has eliminated the grant-writer position, inquired about a new/cheaper telephone system and discussed employees’ contributions toward insurance premium payments.

Compensation for town attorney Richard Stoloff has been questioned. Classified as part time for state pension benefits (5.6 hours/week), he receives $52,000 plus for undocumented services to the town. Extras are billed at $250 per hour totaling over $35,000 last year. Full insurance premiums totaling over $20,000/year are paid for insurance coverage.

I surveyed 14 townships in Sullivan, Orange and Ulster in April, and not one pays an attorney $250/hour. The average is $175-190/hour. Only one pays insurance benefits for a listed full-time attorney, 30 hours/week. In May, this survey was presented to supervisor Baird at a town board meeting. For the past year, employee contributions for insurance premiums have been discussed but, to my knowledge, Richard Stoloff’s insurance premiums/benefits have not been brought up. Our employee handbook states benefits for “full-time” employees.

Richard W. Morris

Wurtsboro, NY