South Whitehall commissioners have approved Buckno Lisicky and Co. as the new auditors for the municipality and for the township authority.

They replace France, Anderson, Basille, the firm that held the previous contract.

Township Manager Jon Hammer explained as auditors are a professional service, a bid process is unnecessary.

"We chose Buckno Lisicky because they are doing our policies and procedures," Hammer said.

The firm was approved last month as a consultant for internal controls, an action requested by Hammer due to administrative reorganization this year.

Buckno Lisicky's auditing fees approved at the Sept. 19 meeting are $17,000 for the year ending Dec. 31, 2012; $17,500 for 2013; and $18,000 for 2014.

Fees for auditing the township authority are $10,000 for the year ending Dec. 31, 2012; $10,500 for 2013; and $11,000 for 2014.

Jeffrey Dobeck,CPA, is the person authorized to represent the firm throughout the procedure. A specialist in accounting, auditing and consulting for governmental and not-for-profit entities, Dobeck has been with Buckno Lisicky for 26 years.

He will be accompanied by Anthony Buczek CPA, who specializes in quality control and William Billowitch, in-charge accountant.

In other business, Director of Administration Tony Ganguzza said the Devon Circle playground is nearly complete.

Requested by Devon Circle residents Valentina Krizel and Michelle Maurer, the $42,000 playground is entirely being paid for with open space funds from developers.

Police Chief Thomas Toth reported he has applied to the state for a $45,000 grant for the Lehigh County Regional DUI Task Force.

The amount provides $8,100 for salaries; $500 for travel to mandated conferences and training; $1,432 for equipment and $34,968 for overtime enforcement.

The grant takes effect this month.