Schuylkill County Commissioners voted to hire an Allentown law firm to handle “employment issues” at its Wednesday meeting.

The vote to hire Flamm Walton Heimbach for $200 an hour was unanimous, but not without comment on the matter. County Administrator Gary Bender said the rate is “reasonable.”

Commissioner Gary Hess asked why the services were needed. Bender said the county has “employment issues.”

He said the solicitors office has three attorneys but outside advice would be prudent.

“There is some special things coming up that we need expert advice for on employment issues. We felt that was above what we could handle,” Bender said.

He added the man, whom he did not identify, was interviewed. Bender said his role is to help on “special projects” and on “an as-needed basis. We are just getting advice from him,” he said.

An employee of the firm Tuesday identified the man as Thomas Heimbach. His professional area of expertise is listed as labor and employment, according to the firm’s website, flammlaw.com.

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington thanked Bender for his efforts.

This is “a good example where we bring experts in to make sure we don’t make a mistake and cause a major problem and penalize the taxpayers. I commend you for your foresight in doing the right thing,”

Commissioner George Halcovage Jr. was silent on the matter except to vote.