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Authority's director put on leave

Perry O'Malley
Reasons are undisclosed

The executive director for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler is on administrative leave for undisclosed personnel reasons.

Perry O’Malley, who has been with the authority for nearly two decades, was put on leave Jan. 15, according to authority solicitor Andrew Menchyk.

Menchyk said the decision concerns personnel matters in the authority, but he declined to comment specifically on why O’Malley was put on leave.

“The length of the leave is undetermined,” Menchyk said. “However, the board does anticipate his return.”

Menchyk would not say who made the decision for O’Malley to go on leave or whether he will continue to be paid during the time.

O’Malley could not be reached for comment Tuesday or this morning.

Chairman Margaret Clawson said the decision was not made at a board meeting, but declined to comment further.

Attorney John Trant is serving as the interim executive director in O’Malley’s absence. Trant declined to comment.

“He has a substantial background in government,” Menchyk said of Trant, adding that Trant had worked for Cranberry Township in the past.

Menchyk said the decision to hire Trant was made by the board shortly after O’Malley was placed on leave.

“He was brought in on an emergency basis,” Menchyk said, adding there was not a board meeting held to make the decision.

The board last met Jan. 9. Menchyk said the personnel matters were not discussed at the meeting, but said there was an executive session following the meeting.

Menchyk said there were personnel issues discussed in that session, but did not say whether they were related to O’Malley’s leave.

Bill McCarrier, chairman of the county commissioners, said he was told Monday that O’Malley was on leave, but did not say how he was told.

He said he was not aware why O’Malley is on leave.

The housing and redevelopment authority oversees more than 600 housing units for low to moderate income individuals and the elderly.

Menchyk said he believes O’Malley has been with the authority for 17 years. O’Malley also previously was the executive director of the Butler City Redevelopment Authority.

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