Bond Hearing on County Projects Nets Criticism of Lawyers' Fees

Does Ocean County have too many lawyers collecting fees when the county’s freeholders borrow money?

Democrat Michele Rosen of Waretown, who is running for a seat on the all-Republican board, thinks so.

She pointed out recently, as the freeholders authorized borrowing $21.5 million for road, bridge, drainage and dredging projects, that they are not only paying bond counsel for his services, but county Attorney Jack Sahradnik too.

Rosen was the only one to speak during 7 public hearings on the spending plans. She said Sahradnik’s professional service agreement with the freeholders calls for him to get $750 for drafting the bond ordinances, and 35 cents per $1,000 for the face value of the bonds.

She produced a copy of the agreement providing a $55,000 retainer, an hourly rate of $165 for services in 2009, adjusted upward for the cost of living increase in 2010 and 2011 and a $19,000 retainer to be county adjuster.

Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari of Toms River told her the freeholders will “review the process for next year.’’

It is Vicari who Rosen is trying to unseat in November.

The bonds include work for drainage, road, bridge and other projects throughout Ocean County.