During the Somerset County Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, we got an update on multiple county headlines.
Somerset County Solicitor Michael Barbera announced that he’s resigning from his part-time position.
Barbera presented his formal resignation at the Commissioners meeting Tuesday, where he was greeted with applause and “thank you” wishes.
Barbera has been the county’s Solicitor since 2018, and says he’s been talking about this day for “several years now.”
“It’s a tough decision to make, but as I noted during the meeting, upon entering the duties of my position, I immediately recognized that the days of a one-man, part-time solicitor were rapidly coming to a close,”
Taking over the position on a full-time basis: the Pittsburgh-based law firm Gabriel Fera, P.C. which specializes in county law.
Barbera says since county law is it’s own “unique animal,” he believes that this firm’s expertise will serve Somerset County well.
New Solicitor Christopher Gabriel says their firm is no stranger to Somerset County.
“For years we’ve worked with Somerset County on labor and employment matters. We sort of help out on solicitor matters when Michael deemed necessary, is essentially what we’ve done,”
According to Somerset County Treasurer Tony DeLuca, Barbera was earning $60,000 for the part time role.
The Commissioners say the new law firm has set a “do not exceed” amount of $125,000 per year.