The former executive director of the Butler County Housing and Redevelopment Authority wants to return to work.

Perry O'Malley has asked the authority for his old job back following a Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission ruling last month that he be reinstated after being fired in 2015.

However, Paul Mazeski, O'Malley's attorney, said the authority won't let his client go back to work.

“They've not put him back,” Mazeski said.

He said the authority placed O'Malley on administrative leave. Authority attorney Andrew Menchyk said he could not verify O'Malley's request or status.

“I can't really comment,” Menchyk said. “It's a personnel matter.”

Mazeski said they won't force the authority to bring O'Malley back as long as he receives his salary.

“It depends on whether they pay him,” Mazeski said.

O'Malley received an annual salary of $128,000.

The Civil Service Commission on July 26 issued its ruling reinstating O'Malley to the post, citing a lack of evidence for his termination.

Menchyk said he expects the authority board to direct him to file an appeal in state court. He said that decision probably would occur at the Aug. 12 authority board meeting.

Mazeski said his client would cross appeal if the authority files an appeal.

Along with reinstatement, the commission ruled that O'Malley should be paid lost wages and have his seniority restored.

However, it also decided that a 30-day suspension be reflected on O'Malley's record and that his back wages be reduced accordingly.

Mazeski said it's premature to discuss whether O'Malley would accept a severance package.

“We haven't gone down that road yet,” Mazeski said.

The authority fired O'Malley in March 2015 for allegedly abusing travel and sick time, using authority resources for private business and neglecting his duties, which resulted in financial instability, a failed project and poor employee morale.

O'Malley appealed the termination, citing age discrimination.

The commission determined the most egregious allegations were unsubstantiated.