Hearing set June 30 on O'Malley firing
The former executive director of the Butler County housing authority next month will say publicly why he deserves his job back.
The state Civil Service Commission will have a hearing on Perry O’Malley’s appeal of his termination at 9:30 a.m. June 30 in Pittsburgh.
Commissioner Odelfa Smith Preston will hear his case.
The Civil Service Commissioners will rule on his case at a future meeting.
O’Malley was fired from his position as executive director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Butler County on March 14, two months after he was placed on paid administrative leave.
The authority’s board accused O’Malley of using authority resources for personal and private business endeavors that are a conflict with the authority. While the authority has not specified the charges, it said he also abused authority travel time, travel expenses and leave time, and neglected his duties.
O’Malley called the allegations “ridiculous” and said he was never provided examples to support any of the authority’s claims.
Instead, O’Malley in his appeal said he was fired because of his age and political affiliations, adding he had no prior disciplinary action in his 23 years with the authority.
Authority solicitor Andrew Menchyk said in O’Malley’s termination letter that he was provided with numerous examples of the conduct leading to his termination and was given the opportunity to respond.
O’Malley is seeking retraction of the termination and reinstatement as executive director at the same wage, benefits and seniority, as well as expungement of all records related to the firing.
O’Malley earned more than $128,000 annually as executive director.
Michael McNierney, the executive director of the housing authority in Erie County, is serving as the interim executive director in Butler County. The authority expects to find a replacement later this summer.
