Mercer Co. seeks Human Services chief

MERCER, Pa. — Mary Ann Daniels, appointed in November to the newly created position of Mercer County Human Services Director, will leave her post next month to take another job, Mercer County commissioners announced Wednesday.

Before the November appointment, Daniels had been serving as director of the county’s Children and Youth Services. As Human Services director, Daniels continued as CYS director and also assumed oversight of County Mental Health/Retardation.

Commissioner Brian Beader said the county will begin advertising for a new Human Services director. But he added that the job will be re-rated and a salary determined for the post.

Commissioner Kenneth Ammann said salaries of similar directors in other counties should be checked before setting the wage. Daniels was making $55,649 plus a $7,500 stipend for the additional duties.

Controller Thomas Amundsen had voted against the stipend in November, stating that creating the position simply added another layer on top of the existing organizational structure. On Wednesday, Amundsen said he still objects to the stipend and wants the job rated.