Ford City Hires Police Chief as Interim Borough Manager

by Jonathan Weaver

For the next six months, Michael Greenlee will wear multiple hats in Ford City Borough – both as Police Chief and as Borough Manager.

Last week, Greenlee was appointed part-time Borough Manager by Borough Council after much discussion by elected leaders.

Council President Carol Fenyes explained an experienced Borough Manager would likely command a salary of at least $50,000, with an additional $15,000 in benefits – not including money needed to set up office space – all expenses the borough could not afford

“As we went through the budget process, it became apparent that we could not be afford to put in a full-time Borough Manager,” Fenyes said.

However, Fenyes found relief hearing the Department of Community and Economic Development could pay up to 90 percent of that expense for a Borough Manager for up to two years – but still that wasn’t enough funding.

“We have many projects on-tap for next year, we need to begin with the infrastructure, we’re going to apply for grants and loans. And even to tie up 10 percent when we have someone who could do it (Greenlee) on an interim basis for six months to get us started, I thought that would be the way to go, Fenyes said.

“We believe he’s more than qualified to handle (working both positions).”

Ford City Borough’s 2017 proposed budget includes a $12,500 borough manager salary, no funding for benefits and $1,300 for expenses.

Councilwoman Beth Bowser supported the motion and reviewed Greenlee’s credentials and resume during the past month, believing he can handle the responsibility “and do it well.”

Greenlee reportedly has management and union experience, as well as “high-level experience” with the federal government.

“This council has worked exceedingly above the demands of ordinary councils to see that we did not have a borough manager that we should have had this year with everything we went through,” Bowser said. “However, our availability is dwindling. There are very critical projects in tow – we need someone to handle the day-to-day operations.”

Council Vice-President Tyson Klukan said he has some “great concerns” about Greenlee filling the role and thought it would be best to pursue relief for experience through the ongoing Early Intervention Program. He agreed with Novak Consulting that a Borough Manager needs years of municipal experience – including with accounting and budgeting.

“We have drug issues, an accreditation process, (Standard Operating Procedures) that have not been developed since 2008. Increased personnel on the police side, which would affect the bottom line budget – who’s going to look at that?” Klukan said. “We were voted in to be good financial stewards and operation stewards.

“I believe Mr. Greenlee is a good police chief as of now, but I feel there are other options that should be presented on the table.”

Councilman Marc Mantini agreed with Klukan, but voted for the appointment based on the word “interim.”

“I have to be assured that this is an interim decision to help the borough government through a phase,” Mantini said. “To establish a permanent position, I think would be too much authority for one hand.”

Greenlee is to tell Council if handling both duties become too much.

Former Councilwoman Vicki Schaub also questioned the action.

“He’s got so many jobs and responsibilities right now – is that really a wise decision?” Schaub asked. “I don’t think it’s a wise decision.”

Klukan motioned to table the motion, but the motion was approved 5-1.

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