The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners have decided to seek legal counsel from their solicitor regarding potential conflicts of interest concerning the Tax Increment Financing for the Hamilton Crossings Shopping Center, Lower Macungie Township.

The issue of a possible conflict of interest was broached during the April 23 commissioners meeting by Chairwoman Lisa Scheller.

Scheller said she recently received a letter from attorney Jonathan Hugg of the law firm, Clark Hill, Philadelphia, outlining the potential conflict of interest.

The letter asked why board solicitor Michael Sorrentino's law firm Norris McLaughlin & Marcus represents businesses that have expressed an interest in the Hamilton Crossings project.

The letter also indicates a conflict exists by virtue of the commissioners rejecting the TIF last year.

"There should be discussion between the commissioners and Mr. Sorrentino, but at no time does the county administration know what comes between the commissioners and the law department," Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller said.

Commissioner Michael Schware expressed concern over the letter, suggesting the board take formal action.

"This comes as a surprise to me," he said. "This may or may not be a conflict ... but the public has a right to know about it. We need to create a policy where we'll be informed."

Vice-chairman David Jones said the board should take its time in evaluating the letter.

"We need prudence and careful thought and take the necessary time to do that, instead of being pressured by a person with an agenda," he said.

Sorrentino will discuss the issue with the commissioners at the next meeting, set for 7 p.m. May 7 in the county government center.