Windber keeping Wargo’s severance deal a secret

By RANDY GRIFFITH
The Tribune-Democrat

WINDBER September 18, 2007 11:14 pm

— Longtime Borough Manager Rich Wargo’s final departure was affirmed Tuesday with Borough Council’s unanimous approval of a severance package.
In an unusual move defended by the borough’s attorney, terms of the deal were not released.
“It’s a confidential arrangement between Mr. Wargo and the council,” borough Solicitor Jeffrey Berkey said.
Pressed to explain the deal’s legality under Pennsylvania’s Open Meetings Law and Open Records Law, Berkey said, “I don’t have any other comment, other than the council agreed the severance package would be confidential.”
Contracts discussed at public meetings or approved by government bodies normally must be available to the public.
Tuesday’s action continues events began with council’sAug. 21 vote to eliminate the borough manager’s job next year through a new ordinance. After Mayor Arthur Palumbo threatened to veto the ordinance, council voted to rescind the action.