The borough’s legal department encounters a tremendous range of public law issues.

In our role as advisors, the legal staff draft and review ordinances, resolutions, bidding documents, contracts, and provide legal opinions for the borough and school district. The legal department advises the assembly on legal issues and represents the borough and school district in litigation at all court levels and in administrative hearings, and provides other related services.

Reducing borough and school district liability is a primary focus of the legal department’s effort. By reviewing proposed actions to determine compliance with local, state, and federal law, the legal department aims to guard against lawsuits naming the school district or the borough as parties. Due to the demands of certain court cases, outside counsel is sometimes retained to represent the borough.

The legal department also advises the borough government and school district on citizens’ due process and other rights to ensure they are protected. Due process questions can arise when the assembly considers legislation regulating land uses, for example, or the school board considers policy changes affecting students’ rights to a public education.

The legal department is also charged with collecting delinquent taxes and fees in matters referred by the finance department. If less formal methods are not promptly successful it pursues collection in court. It also files the annual real property tax and assessment foreclosure cases for the borough.

The legal department cannot provide legal advice or representation to the public.