If you live or own property in Middlesex Township and think that the lawsuit against the township by the anti-frackers doesn’t affect you because you didn’t sign a drilling lease, weren’t offered a chance to sign a lease, or just don’t care, think again.

At the Jan. 21 township meeting I asked the supervisors what this litigation was costing. They said thousands of dollars each month.

I asked them if there was an insurance policy that might help to pay this expense. They said no — the taxpayers are paying the bill.

In addition, they said that many road improvements that they had planned for 2015 would not be done because they have to take money from the Road Department account to pay for this litigation.

I wonder if Middlesex Township will share in the revenue collected in impact fees paid by the drilling companies and disbursed by the state, since new well drilling has almost ceased in Middlesex Township because of this lawsuit. In 2013, Middlesex Township received $57,478.52 in impact fee revenue and another $23,900.92 in 2012.

The township did not initiate this lawsuit but must defend itself against it. And this fight looks like it is going to go on for a long, long time, possibly years. The plaintiffs are supported by foundations, East Coast interests and donations from all over, but the defense is paid by Middlesex Township taxpayers. I also wonder how long it will be before our taxes need to be raised to pay for this ongoing lawsuit.

If you live in Middlesex Township and your road is going to pieces and you are wondering why it isn’t getting repaired and your taxes go up next fiscal year, don’t blame the supervisors.