Raise rescinded for chief deputy treasurer

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County Treasurer Ron Patrick has rescinded his request to give his chief deputy a $4,000 pay raise. Patrick said Tuesday there was a lack of support from the county salary board to give the pay increase to Cathy Toscano, who is now paid $39,561 annually.

“Maybe there’s a feeling it will be done at a later date,” Patrick said. “Sometimes timing is everything in transactions and this one just doesn’t feel right.”

Patrick, who was appointed treasurer by Gov. Ed Rendell, took office earlier this month and fired second deputy Gloria Conti. He then asked Toscano’s salary be increased by the county salary board. The board includes the three county commissioners, county controller and the elected official whose office is effected. Two visitors chided county commissioners at their last meeting for even considering a raise for Toscano.

Toscano had been acting treasurer since August when the elected treasurer, Gary Felasco, was sent to state prison for theft. She had been earning about $49,000 per year as acting treasurer.