Township didn't have signed contract with Ameripay

Vernon — The Ameripay problem has brought up issue in Vernon — procurement procedures. During the last two meetings, resident Jessi Paladini had asked Council members about the contracts with Ameripay and with ADS, the company brought in to replace Ameripay. At Thursday’s meeting, she said she’d discovered Vernon didn’t have a signed contract with Ameripay. It was sent to the company for signatures but never returned. “This is a violation of state law and a serious breach of public trust. You have been operating outside of the law: that’s negligence.” She told Mayor Austin Carew: “If you didn’t know about it, Austin, the manager (Melinda Carlton) did.” Councilman Rich Carson renewed the subject in the council business section of the meeting. “I think the public has a right to know, given what has happened with Ameripay.” Township lawyer Michael Witt admitted there wasn’t a contract with Ameripay, that “improper procedure” was used and they were investigating the issue. They are also in the process of correcting the procurement process for the current company. A resolution to approve the contract for ADS was on the agenda for that evening, but it was tabled without explanation by the council. See related story on page 1.