Their handling of Kelly Wolfe's resignation as township manager last month continues to haunt the North Huntingdon commissioners.

A new watchdog taxpayers group surfaced last week to question a $94,000 severance package that the board approved for Mrs. Wolfe.

Mike Pochan, a spokesman for the Concerned Taxpayers of North Huntingdon, asked why all seven board members did not participate in discussions that led to Mrs. Wolfe's abrupt resignation from a position that paid $78,330 a year.

Mr. Pochan, a township resident and vice president of the Irwin Business and Professional Association, demanded to know why Mrs. Wolfe received the hefty severance package even though she had resigned.

"People need answers," Mr. Pochan told the board. "You forget it is our money you're finding so easy to spend."

He asked for a breakdown of the package, which includes about $76,000 in salary and family health benefits for the remainder of this year, and details of the severance agreement.

Solicitor Chelsea Dice advised that board members could not discuss details of the agreement signed by board President David Herold and Mrs. Wolfe.

"There is a provision in the agreement, signed by both parties mutually, that it will remain private and confidential," Ms. Dice explained.

Mr. Herold and fellow commissioners Angelo Furlin, Anthony Martino and Don Austin voted for the severance package in February. Rich Gray, Lee Moffat and Fred Patter dissented,

Mr. Gray, who presided over the board for the past two years, asked whether he could talk about the agreement because he did not vote for the controversial severance package.

Ms. Dice said all commissioners represent the township and are held to the agreement.

"You would be violating the agreement if you discussed it," she cautioned.

Meanwhile, it took two motions before the board hired Senate Engineering Co. of Pittsburgh to provide consulting services during this year's road-paving program at a cost of $18,000.

Senate was the lowest among nine bidders.

Mr. Moffat's motion to hire Senate failed by a 4-3 vote.

Mr. Gray and Mr. Patter also favored the motion. Mr. Herold, Mr. Furlin, Mr. Martino and Mr. Austin dissented.

"How can you vote against the lowest bidder?" Mr. Moffat asked Mr. Herold. "The taxpayers want to know."

Mr. Herold, who was re-elected to the board last November, said he believed the township did not get what it had paid for in the past.

Two township-based consulting firms submitted bids.

Glenn Engineering's $29,500 bid was third while a $33,500 bid from The EADS Group, the township's former consultant, was fifth.

A second motion to hire Senate passed, 5-2, with Mr. Herold and Mr. Martino changing their votes. Mr. Furlin and Mr. Austin dissented.