Looking toward the new year, South Whitehall commissioners approved fee increases for township engineer J. Scott Pidcock of The Pidcock Company and Solicitor Joseph Zator.

The fee schedule for zoning hearing board Solicitor Maria C. Mullane will remain the same as in 2105 and 2016.

Pidcock’s new fee schedule includes an average increase of 2.7 percent for personnel.

Rates begin at $34 per hour for administrative assistants and proceed upward to $122 per hour for the principal of the firm and senior professionals.

Zator said his rates have not increased since he started with South Whitehall in 2011.

His rates will increase $10 per hour to $185 per hour for attorney work and $5 per hour to $90 per hour for paralegal services.

He noted the fees are considerably less than those he charges private clients as he recognizes budget restraints and tax implications for the township.

Zator said the firm’s relationship with South Whitehall is not about money but rather for intangibles such as respect, appreciation and a sense of camaraderie.

Mullane’s fees are $130 per hour for non-litigation professional services, including research and attendance at meetings.

Her litigation rate is $150 per hour, which covers attendance at court and preparation for matters pending in court.

At the board of authority, new professional consultants will begin service in 2017.

Manager Peter Pineda reports Darryl Jenkins of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy will replace the Pidcock Company as engineer for the authority.

“They are a full-service engineering firm and the only engineering firm in the township, at 1605 N. Cedar Crest Boulevard, “ Pineda said.

He said the change was made for multiple reasons after examining criteria from applicants, including technical services, costs and location.

Pineda announced selection of Steve Hahn as authority solicitor from the firm of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullins, Maxwell and Lupin of Lansdale.

He assumed the position held by Blake Marles from the Stevens and Lee law firm.