Two More Officials Resign Their Posts in Sewickley Hills

Sewickley Hills Council accepted two Monday night, making a fellow councilman and the borough’s newly hired treasurer the latest to step down from their positions in the borough.

Council President Thomas Klixbull announced in the first part of the business meeting that treasurer Larry Hermes had resigned “effective immediately.” Hermes emailed his resignation letter following the May 9 workshop meeting.

Klixbull, in the next order of business, announced that Councilman Noah Fardo also had resigned his seat “effective immediately.” Fardo turned in his resignation on May 10.

When asked why, Fardo said in a statement, “It's simple -- I didn't trust the people running Sewickley Hills."

Fardo, who did not attend Monday's meeting, said he felt it was impossible to stay because of what he perceived to be too much secrecy, emphasis on personal interests of council leadership, and other issues.

“I did the best I could fighting for the residents for 3 1/2 years,” Fardo said.

Solicitor Art Leonard said the borough has 30 days to fill the vacancy. Postcards will be sent to residents seeking candidates to  fill Fardo's unexpired term. Council is taking applications until June 13.

Fardo’s term expires in December, so the person council appoints to replace him will serve temporarily until a new council member is chosen in the November election. Fardo did not run for re-election on the .

As for Hermes, it appears his resignation might be postponed for a few months.

Councilwoman Kim Holzer said she has spoken to Hermes several times, most recently on Monday, and pleaded with him to stay with the borough for another two to three months to lend his expertise and help with the borough's financial books.

Hermes was hired last month to replace Tom O’Neill, who resigned March 15. Hermes has since found inconsistencies in his preliminary review of the borough’s accounts.

Holzer said Hermes had expressed a willingness to stay on temporarily -- with a few contingencies -- to help the borough get its financial matters in order. She said he wanted to see procedural changes, including having checks approved once a month and no pay forwards. He also has asked for an upgraded version of QuickBooks software with support because the borough’s 2008 version was outdated. In addition, Hermes would like the software program installed on a laptop so he can work more efficiently, Holzer said.

Holzer said Hermes would be compensated $1,000 a month, or $300 more than the salary he receives now, for essentially doing two jobs -- auditing the books and serving as treasurer. 

“This is good news as far as I’m concerned,” said Councilman Klaus Gross, who was glad to hear that Hermes may stay on.

Klixbull said he also spoke to Hermes, and that Hermes agreed to stay on at least until the end of the month so that bills could be paid and checks issued.

Council members said Hermes has been able to discover financial discrepancies, and that hiring someone else with comparable financial expertise would cost much more.

“He’s found us $6,000 in our checking,” Holzer said. “We owe it to the borough to do this.”

Under the solicitor's suggestion, council accepted Hermes’ resignation as submitted. Not doing so could cause insurance problems and other issues, Leonard said.

If Hermes agrees to stay on for a few months, he may submit a new letter outlining his contingencies. Council then may vote to rescind Hermes’ resignation.

In all, four people have resigned in Sewickley Hills in the last few months. Secretary Besty Rengers earlier this month after more than four years with the borough. She continues to work for the borough on a temporary basis until a successor is named.

Council may decide to appoint a new secretary at the June 13 meeting following a round of interviews prior to the work session. The borough is accepting resumes until Friday, June 10. Three have been submitted so far.