Jan 27, 2008 By Amy Zalar 3 min read

The Fayette County commissioners postponed hiring a firm to conduct the county’s single audit at the request of commission Chairman Vincent Zapotosky, although the other two commissioners each had made up their minds. Zapotosky’s motion to table the action during Thursday’s monthly meeting came after his fellow commissioners expressed differing opinions regarding which firm to hire.

Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink first made a motion to hire Maher Duessel of Pittsburgh and did not receive a second. Zimmerlink said she was making the motion based on her four years of experience in office.

Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites then made a motion to hire Zelenkofske Axelrod of Harrisburg and also did not receive a second.

Zapotosky then said from the perspective of just taking office this month, he wasn’t yet prepared to make a decision. Zapotosky said he had met with Zelenkofske Axelrod but didn’t think it would be fair to make a selection without meeting with other firms. He asked if the decision had to be made immediately.

Zimmerlink and county manager Warren Hughes both said the decision didn’t need to be made immediately and could be put off as long as it is decided next month. The other firms that submitted proposals were Case-Sabatini of Pittsburgh and Reinsel Kuntz Lesher of Harrisburg.

Vicites said he feels that Zelenkofske Axelrod has done a good job and has improved the entire auditing process.

Earlier in the meeting, Controller Sean Lally urged the commissioners to hire Zelenkofske Axelrod. He said the firm works with 17 of 67 counties and has been handling the Fayette County audit for five years.

Vicites said after Lally’s comments that he believes the county code states the controller’s opinion is important to the process.

When asked by Zimmerlink if he is aware of any issues with the firm he was recommending, Lally said he is not.

The commissioners also hired Francis DeCarlo in the Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development for the position of community development specialist, although his daughter works in the Uniform Construction Code office, which is under the same department.

Zapotosky and Vicites voted in favor of hiring DeCarlo, who previously worked for the county, while Zimmerlink abstained. DeCarlo was hired at an annual salary of $20,845.

When asked about any issues with hiring DeCarlo, Jennifer Cline, county human resource director of Felice Associates, said although his daughter works in the office, there is not a “reporting relationship” with DeCarlo.

Cline said she was recommending the hiring of DeCarlo.

Vicites cited DeCarlo’s previous experience in the office in speaking in favor of hiring him.

“I remember he did a good job,” Vicites said.