Poland Township Trustees fire employee after finding him guilty of misconduct

Staff report

POLAND

Township trustees fired a road department worker after a township investigation found him “guilty of misconduct in the form of malfeasance,” according to the motion trustees unanimously approved at a special meeting Monday.

The motion notes that the worker, Raymond Beatty, was put on paid administrative leave Sept. 13 “regarding allegations that he committed acts of misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance during his employment with Poland Township.”

Malfeasance refers to wrongdoing by a public official. It is a higher level of wrongdoing than misfeasance or nonfeasance.

Beatty’s firing stems from an investigation into a tip to township officials he was stealing road grindings from the road department. That tip prompted an investigation by township police. Police filed a theft charge against Beatty in Struthers Municipal Court on Sept. 13.

“It is very important to myself and my colleagues that the people of Poland Township know that their trust in us is of the utmost importance,” said Bob Lidle, trustee chairman. “When we found out that things are not being done in accordance with that, discipline needs to take place.”

Lidle said the investigation did not implicate any other township employees.

Beatty is the son of village Police Chief Russell Beatty Jr. His dismissal is effective today.