Jefferson council discusses ‘possible litigation’ involving former secretary
JEFFERSON – Borough officials declined to comment on exactly why they met in closed session for more than an hour during Monday’s regular meeting, in which they discussed “possible litigation” involving the former borough secretary. Cynthia Walters, who had served in that capacity for about 16 years, was fired June 26.
Borough Solicitor Dennis Makel would say only that council is reviewing the borough’s financial records. Makel was appointed borough solicitor just last month, replacing longtime solicitor Bill Davis.
Borough resident Barney Coneybeer expressed his frustration at the lack of information on the part of borough officials regarding the termination of the secretary.
“Have you got something to hide?” he asked. “Why do you have to keep everything secret? I’ve heard 20 different stories about what’s going on. You know something.”
Council President Tim Phillips replied, “We are doing an investigation.”
Makel added, “We have to determine the facts and determine if charges are necessary.”
Relda Litten has been hired to replace Walters.
In other business, upon Makel’s recommendations, the council discussed adopting a real estate transfer tax ordinance.
“I was rather astounded that we didn’t have that, because most places do,” Makel said.
The 1 percent transfer tax is paid to the Jefferson-Morgan School District when a deed is transferred. Makel said, however, that the
borough is entitled to half of that sum.
The borough also plans to draw up an agreement with Charter Communications, the local cable television company, that would allow the borough to collect the franchise fees paid by borough customers.
The council also adopted ordinances allowing the following fees to be collected: $25 fee to be paid to the tax collector for providing tax certifications; a $100 annual application fee for borough trash haulers to be paid to the borough; a $25 fee to be paid to the borough for municipal “no lien letters.”
After the meeting, responding to a questions about whether the hiring of a new solicitor and the adoption of the new ordinances had anything to do with Walters’ performance as borough secretary, Makel replied, “We are just doing some things to bring the borough into the 21st century.”