Published: November 10, 2009 10:54 pm      

Windber cuts administrator

WINDBER — In a shocking move that drew criticism, Borough Council eliminated longtime administrative assistant Robin Gates’ job Tuesday.

Based purely on financial necessity, the difficult cutback was not based on “what can be gained” politically or personally, as some of council’s actions have been, council President Anthony Turcato said.

“Rarely have we made gut-wrenching decisions,” Turcato said “This is one of those.”

The job elimination was proposed by Simon “Red” Ohler, who last week lost his bid for re-election.

“This council can no longer sit by and take no action on a budget,” Ohler said. “This is the only position I can see cutting.”

Councilman James Furmanchik opposed the action.

“Who will oversee the day-to-day operation in most of this building?” Furmanchik demanded, reminding council that he supported Gates to be named borough manager when Casey Durdines was hired last year.

“I feel it is a personal vendetta against me,” Gates said, choking up during the meeting.

“Does she do a good job? Yes,” Ohler said, adding that he has nothing personal against Gates.

Gates asked Durdines to read the roll call vote, which ended 6-1 in favor of the job cut.

Durdines, Gates, Furmanchik and codes and zoning officer Fred Oliveros immediately left the meeting.

Several in the audience blasted council.

“You have made a lot of poor decisions,” Windber Hotel owner Scott Penrod said. “I have been ashamed for a while. I am sure there is a reason you did this right after the election.”

Councilman-elect James Spinos called it the “most ridiculous thing I’ve seen.”

Ohler said budget workshops have made little progress because anticipated expenses overwhelm income.

“You are looking at another two mills (tax increase) to function,” Ohler said. “This will give you roughly $40,000 to work with.”

That figure reflects Gates’ $25,600 salary, with benefits, Councilwoman Sonya Pekala said.