A second high-ranking employee with the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Butler County has been placed on paid leave.

Sandra Reges, the operations manager with the authority, was placed on leave Thursday. The authority board ratified the decision at its meeting Friday morning.

The decision was made five weeks after the board placed Perry O’Malley, executive director, on paid leave Jan. 15.

Reges’ leave will last until March 6.

“This is not a suspension,” authority solicitor Andrew Menchyk said after the meeting. “She retains all benefits of employment.”

The board would not comment on why Reges was placed on leave or whether it relates to O’Malley’s leave. Menchyk said he could not say why Reges’ leave was set at two weeks while O’Malley remains off the job indefinitely.

O’Malley in December recommended the appointment of Reges to a newly created position of deputy executive director. The appointment was approved by the board that month, pending approval by the state’s Civil Service Commission.

However, the board at a special meeting Feb. 6 rescinded the promotion for undisclosed reasons.

Jobs with the authority typically require civil service testing rather than internal promotions, although a spokesman with the Civil Service Commission earlier this month said it is sometimes possible for internal promotions if the candidate meets specific job requirements.

Menchyk did not say how Reges was placed on leave or who made the decision on Thursday.

“Ultimately it was a board decision and it was ratified today,” he said after the Friday meeting.

Menchyk said the authority has not released information on the leaves because they are personnel matters.

County Commissioner Jim Eckstein asked the authority Friday whether O’Malley’s leave concerned financial matters.

“I know you won’t tell us what it is, but you should be able to tell us what it’s not,” Eckstein said before the board announcing Reges’ leave. “My question is whether or not this has anything to do with finances or the books.”

Menchyk said the public comment portion of the meeting allows for the public to speak, but is not for discussion with the board.

“This is not a question and answer period,” he said. “That’s not something we are going to address.”

Eckstein also asked if the resignation of the authority’s previous comptroller, David Schnur, on Jan. 8 had anything to do with O’Malley’s leave.

Menchyk after the meeting declined to respond to Eckstein’s comments.

Eckstein later voiced opposition to the board placing staff members on paid leave.

“I’m really amazed it’s common practice to do this,” he said. “At the county, if we have enough reason to look into someone, we don’t let them stay at home for a period of time with pay.”

Eckstein told the board he has contacted the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Inspector General requesting an investigation on why the authority has not disclosed more information on O’Malley’s leave.

The two agencies acknowledged receiving the letter, but would not say if they would investigate, according to Eckstein.

The authority issued a press release concerning the leaves.

“Our level of care for our residents and those who participate in our programs will remain unchanged,” the release said.

“Our board of directors is not allowing any distractions to affect that vision and mission.”

The authority, which has 40 employees, manages more than 600 housing units.

Board member Jerry Andree said the housing authority’s annual budget is about $16 million.

O’Malley earns about $128,000 per year, while Reges has a salary of about $68,000.