NEW CASTLE Job specifics spur controversy for new assistant roadmaster

Officials say it's too early to tell how finances will be by year's end.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Extension of some benefits to Union Township's new assistant roadmaster has been criticized by one supervisor who says the township can't afford it.
In a recent meeting, Union Township auditors, by a split vote, approved paying assistant roadmaster Clair Damon time-and-a-half after 40 hours. They also extended him vision care, life insurance, one sick day per month and six holidays for the remainder of the year.
Damon was named township supervisor in August, after months of controversy, to fill the seat of Supervisor Ralph Nuzzo, who died last spring, until the end of the year. Then Damon and Supervisor Kenneth Guinaugh voted at their August meeting to name Damon assistant roadmaster. Guinaugh is roadmaster. The third supervisor, Steve Galizia, voted against appointing Damon, saying they should wait until the township's financial picture is clearer. He also objected because there is no job description or hours set for the post.
Damon's hourly rate was set at $9.40 when township auditors met recently. They met for a second time this week to extend the additional benefits to him.
The post of assistant roadmaster has been vacant since 1999 when it was held by Galizia, who said he held the post for 3 1/2 months during the absence of Guinaugh. He later was assigned to be park supervisor and held that job for six months. His wage was $5.15 hourly with hospitalization benefits but no others.
Overtime debate
Richard Pauline, one of the three township auditors, said after the meeting that it was his understanding that the auditors called the second meeting because Damon had been paid for 8 1/2 hours of overtime without prior authorization from auditors. Pauline said Damon will pay the township back for those hours.
Pauline, who did not attend the first auditors' meeting because he was having surgery, said he voted at this week's meeting to extend Damon overtime, although he really doesn't think it is necessary. Pauline voted against extending any other benefits.
Pauline did note that Damon's $9.40 hourly rate actually costs the township less than the $5.15 Galizia received in the same job because Damon is not using the hospitalization benefit.
Wes Homner, also an auditor, said that Damon was extended only the same benefits as the road crew who belong to the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. Damon's job is supervisory, so he is not a member of the union. Homner said he voted to extend overtime to Damon because he thought that state and federal law required it after 40 hours.
Homner acknowledged that Galizia told him money was tight, but Homner said Damon's sick days and holidays would add up only to $1,200 and he didn't think that amount would break the budget.
Uncertainty
Galizia said the township doesn't need an assistant roadmaster, especially when it may face a tax increase or personnel cuts if there is a budget deficit. He said he believes the township may end the year with a deficit.
Secretary/Treasurer Sally Byler, contacted Friday, said that while things are tight, it is too early to predict how finances will stand by year's end. She said that in previous years, the township was in similar shape in September and did not end with a deficit.