A special labor attorney hired by Lehigh Township last month will cost no more than $395 per hour, according to an engagement letter obtained last week through a Right To Know request.

In late March, township supervisors voted to hire Neil Morris of the Ofitt Kurman law firm in Philadelphia, but did not detail specifics of the work he would be doing for the municipality.

Information related to Morris’ responsibilities was redacted from the engagement letter, with township Right To Know officer Alice Rehrig stating, “The agreement involves an active non-criminal investigation regarding personnel matters. The investigation is being conducted in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of the board of supervisors.”

According to the engagement letter, the rate being charged to Lehigh Township is “substantially discounted.”

“My regular private rate for a non-municipal client is $575 per hour,” Morris wrote in the letter.

Any attorneys or professionals who work on the township investigation and charge less than $395 per hour will bill the municipality at the lower hourly rate, he added.

“We will discuss any expected large expenses, such as expert witness fees, with you ahead of time and obtain your approval,” Morris wrote to the township.

Both the township and the law firm can withdraw from the agreement at any time.

While it’s unclear if it’s related to the hiring of a special attorney, the township approved a $1.75 million payment in March to settle a federal lawsuit brought by a former township police officer.

The township will pay Jessica Edwards the sum to settle a suit she filed against the township’s police chief, Scott Fogel, alleging that he sexually harassed her, physically accosted her and retaliated against her over her five-year employment with the township.

The township is expected to pay $275,000 of that amount, which is the back wages owed Edwards. The insurance company will pay the remainder.