Questions remain about why the executive director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Butler County is on administrative leave.

The authority board said at a special meeting this morning that it cannot disclose why executive director Perry O’Malley was placed on paid leave Jan. 15.

“While it is difficult, no one should read into the administrative leave and no additional information will be provided by the authorities, the employees or the board of directors,” authority solicitor Andrew Menchyk said in a prepared statement. “The law requires that authorities keep confidential the basis, reasons and circumstances for any employee leave of absence.”

O’Malley’s leave was ratified at the meeting by the board.

Attorney John Trant is the interim executive director in O’Malley’s absence.

The board is working on an agreement with the Erie County Housing Authority for its executive director to take over some responsibilities for the authority in O’Malley’s absence, including serving as its contracting officer to manage federal funding.

Menchyk said it is unknown whether Erie’s director would replace or assist Trant on the interim basis.

The board said it still expects O’Malley’s return.

“At this point in time there is no reason to believe (O’Malley) will not return to his position in the near future,” Menchyk said.