53 Pa. Stat. § 16416
The city commissioners shall disburse no moneys, nor make any contracts for public works or highways, nor take any part in the opening of streets, or the assessment of the damages therefor, but notice of the meetings of all viewers to lay out, open, or vacate any street or highway, or assess damages therefor, shall be served at the law department of the city, and the solicitor or assistant shall represent and protect the interests of the city in relation to all road matters, and countersign every order granted by the court of quarter sessions, for the payment of road damages, and keep a register of all damages confirmed by the court, and of orders countersigned, which shall not be countersigned or paid until an appropriation therefor be made by councils.
53 P.S. § 16416