Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Restructuring causes major changes in Kennett Township
KENNETT TOWNSHIP >> As part of a restructuring following the recent embezzlement of $3.2 million from the township, officials are making drastic changes in the way it does business.
Positions have been eliminated, but most will be filled, said Eden Ratliff, township manager.
As part of the restructuring, three employees were terminated. They are Cathy Rowe, assistant to the treasurer and a right to know
officer, Megan Cadreau, a receptionist and occasional permit coordinator, and Michael O’Brien, assistant to the township manager.
Rowe earned $90,189 per year and was employed by the township for 22 years. Cadreau earned $91,680 and was employed by the township for the past 16 years. O’Brien earned $72,600 per year and was employed by the township for the past five years.
All were offered severance packages last week.
“As we’ve explained in recent months, we have been examining both the direction of the township going forward and the expertise we need in our staff from many angles and viewpoints.” Ratliff said, “As soon as I started with the Township in September
2019, we began making changes to our department structure, priorities and our staff. That process is continuing.”
Ratliff said it’s important to bring salaries in line with those of neighboring municipalities.
“We also are reviewing expenses, including the salaries of employees,” he said. “As a result, we are reshaping the positions, responsibilities and compensation of our staff to bring them into line with professionals in other townships for comparable jobs.
“We are reshaping the township’s future. These decisions aren’t easy and we want to respect the individuals departing and express our thanks for their past contributions.”
Ratliff, who had served as borough manager and chief administrative official of Greencastle in Franklin County, said the township is financially solvent despite the loss of millions.
Lisa Moore, former township manager who has been charged in connection embezzling $3.2 million of Kennett Township taxpayer funds over the past six years, will have her day in court sometime this year. Her preliminary hearing has been delayed until April 21.
Investigators documented that Lisa Moore secretly circumvented all township safeguards established and reviewed by colleagues, township auditors, outside service providers, tax collectors, state auditors, township oversight committee and the supervisors. For years she concealed information about her alleged manipulation of township accounts reporting at audits. The township has since put in strict measures to safeguard against fraud.
In addition, the township is also investigating its police chief, Lydell Nolt, who has been on administrative leave since summer of last year.
In a recent interview with this paper, Ratliff promised transparency to
Kennett Township residents.
“I want people to feel that not only do they have access, but they can influence what is happening in their township,” Ratliff said. “Government is here for the people and it should serve them.”