As well as a fifth supervisor, Shenango Township also needs a solicitor.

The township's four supervisors have split over whether to retain the current solicitor. That brought into question Monday the supervisors' ability to handle funds to run the township.

"The bank says we can't do anything (transaction-wise) unless an attorney signs it," said supervisor secretary Howard Mitchell.

"Our problem with transfers is that transfers shall not be made in the first three months of the fiscal year if it's not budgeted -- that's where it comes down to a legal issue," said supervisor chairman Larry Robinson.

At their Jan. 6 reorganization meeting, the four supervisors came to a draw when voting to continue the services of solicitor William J. Madden of Sharon.

Supervisors Richard Flack and Bill Williams voted against his reappointment and supervisors Larry Robinson and Charles Gilliland supported Madden. Because supervisors were unable to agree, the township has no solicitor.

Williams said Monday night to "put an attorney on it month by month until things get settled down."

"Since Bill Madden knows this township, would you be willing to retain him until we talk?" asked Robinson of Williams and Flack.

"As long as we can advertise for another one," retorted Flack.

Robinson said that legally the board didn't need to advertise for another attorney, just make calls to attorneys and get information.

Flack was critical of Madden's work for the township.

"I've never seen him answer one (question) that's been anything valid," he said.

Township resident Dan Williams said: "I would advise you to have a backup in case Bill Madden tells you where to go."

T. Scott Campbell added: "I'm sure any attorney will want more per month or more per day."

Supervisors have budgeted $4,800 annually for a township solicitor. Gilliland and Williams were appointed to a solicitor search committee.