DUBOIS – DuBois City Council on Monday voted to cover the legal fees of city employees and others who have been subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury investigating suspended City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio.
In addition to employees, the city will cover the fees of any members of council and those members of the DuBois Volunteer Fire Department who have an played an active role in DuBois Community Days.
The cap was set at $10,000 each.
This is really by no fault of their own—they are being dragged into it, said Solicitor Toni Cherry, and it would be “unwise” to send them without the benefit of counsel.
We want to make sure they are prepared for questioning and protected, she said. However, anyone found guilty at the proceedings would be responsible for any incurred fees.
It was noted that the city isn’t informed of those being called to give testimony by the Attorney General’s office until it receives an invoice and request to help with fees.
Also, on Monday, council was asked for an update on the city’s forensic audit. Previously, auditors were hopeful it would be completed around November 2023.
However, Interim City Manager Chris Nasuti said there’s been a roadblock as auditors need information for which there’s only one copy and it’s currently in the hands of the AG’s office.
The audit can’t move forward until it’s released, he said.
