Masser said he had spoken with state Attorney General Tom Corbett Tuesday morning, and Corbett suggested the commissioners send letters to state Reps. Merle Phillips, R-108, of RD2, and Robert E. Belfanti Jr., D-107, of Mount Carmel, and Sen. John Gordner, R-27, Berwick.

“This is not a fight between the commissioners and Tony Rosini,” Masser said.

“The state wants our money and we want their money,” Clausi said, suggesting that funds owed the state from the prothonotary and district judges be withheld to pay Rosini’s wages.

“I want to do this, too,” Sawicki said, “but I want to do it legally.”

“If I were a betting man, it’s not legal to keep the state money,” Masser said.

The commissioners agreed to write to Phillips, Belfanti and Gordner asking for their help in solving the problem.

Clausi then made a motion to appeal the state court ruling on Act 509, which governs the use of funds by county probation and parole departments. Masser seconded the motion, and Clausi asked for a roll call vote. He and Masser voted affirmative, while Sawicki voted no.

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