BANKS TOWNSHIP -- A lawsuit has been filed against two township supervisors in Banks Township.
The lawsuit is in regards to a new township building two supervisors are looking to purchase.
According to court papers the lawsuit was filed at the Carbon County courthouse on August 7.
The lawsuit states that residents are against the purchase of a new building for the following reasons:
- In purchasing this building, the defendants will be diverting monies necessary for the maintenance of the infrastructure of the township, including but not limited to maintenance of roads, equipment, etc.
- The defendants have delegated their authority to make such a purchase to their solicitor, Joseph Woitko, in violation of the Second Class Township Code
- The vast majority of the residents of Banks Township are against the purchase of the building through their words and actions at public meetings.
The two defendants in the case are listed as Theresa Shott and Walter Bobowsky.
Newswatch 16 spoke with the township's solicitor on Friday afternoon about the lawsuit and purchasing the new building.
"We're planning on putting $38,000 down out of the general fund and financing $112,000 from a general obligation note," solicitor Joseph Woitko.
Officials said they are looking to buy the former Capriotti banquet hall along Maple Street.
Woitko said it would cost $150,000.
Township supervisor, Walter Bobowsky said a new township building is desperately needed.
"We dont have insulation, we don't have a heating system, we have a job johnny which is outside and that's it," Bobowsky said.
Residents that live in the of about 1,200 people said they are against the supervisors plans.
"I dont think they're ready for one. They have other projects to do I don't think they're ready," George Moga said.
"Take a ride around the road and look at the roads they all need to be patched and maintained," Bill Dever said.
Township leaders agree that the roads need to be repaired.
Officials said there just isn't enough money for that right now.
"You can pave a road a street it'll cost $200,000- $300,000. We don't have money to do that," Woitko said.
Woitko said that they hope to close the sale by the end of the month.