Resigned Muncy Township solicitor to be reappointed
Muncy Township's former solicitor, Joseph F. Orso III, expects to be reappointed after resigning due to "irreconcilable differences." His resignation followed a tumultuous meeting where supervisors enacted a nine-month moratorium on data center applications, hours after receiving one from Liberty Group companies. A legal hearing concerning Lauchle v. Muncy Township also took place, addressing the withdrawal of previous counsel.
Williamsport attorney Joseph F. Orso III, who previously resigned as Muncy Township Solicitor, anticipates reappointment at the next township meeting on June 16. Orso had resigned after a contentious April 28 special meeting, citing "irreconcilable differences" in legal approaches to his client. During that tumultuous meeting, Supervisor Terri Lauchle and Supervisor Denise Artley enacted a nine-month moratorium on data center applications, just hours after receiving an application from two Liberty Group companies.
At a recent Lauchle v. Muncy Township hearing, former solicitor Zachary Dugan sought to withdraw as counsel. Judge Eric Linhardt noted Orso's presence and inquired about new counsel for the township. Orso informed the judge he expected his reappointment, but Linhardt dismissed Dugan's motion without prejudice as the other supervisors were absent to confirm Orso's claim. The motion is expected to be refiled after Orso's anticipated return to the role. The April 28 meeting reportedly ended with state police responding, highlighting the tension surrounding township affairs.