Ex-parks director gets severance

YOUNGSTOWN — Former city parks director Joseph McRae was awarded a $40,000 severance package Thursday, despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct.

The payment was mainly made up of unpaid sick time, of which McRae had accumulated 2,604 hours, said Kyle Miasek, deputy finance director. Unpaid sick leave amounted to more than $31,000 of the package, he said. McRae was compensated for 35 percent of accrued hours, at $34 per hour, as required by his contract, he said.

The remaining portion included a $1,000 payment for longevity with the department and $7,966 in unused vacation time, said Miasek.

Miasek said the city was accountable for the payment regardless of the results of the investigation.

“These monies are owed to him based on the fact that these monies were earned prior to any severance,” he said. “We’re liable for this.”

McRae had been with the park department since 1979. He was earning $70,000 per year before his resignation. He announced his intent to retire May 11. His last day with the department was May 9.

Parks commission members, Mayor Jay Williams and Law Director Iris Guglucello met in closed chambers May 11 to discuss a disciplinary matter regarding McRae. That investigation is ongoing, said Miasek.

Guglucello would not comment on the matter.

Jason Whitehead, the mayor’s chief of staff, has been acting as interim parks director since Tuesday.