JERSEY SHORE - A borough manager who was fired Tuesday by Borough Council said she was not given notice or a reason.
Gretchen Speicher, who was hired in November at an annual salary of $54,600, not including benefits, alleged she committed no fraud or crime while in office and was stunned when she was told her services no longer were needed.
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette also was told there would be no reason provided for her ouster and it was a personnel matter discussed during closed session.
Meanwhile, Speicher's salary appears to be in line with what other area borough managers are paid. For instance, Montoursville's secretary/manager is paid $51,280. A council member, Speicher said, must have combined her salary and benefits package when putting her earnings at closer to $70,000 Tuesday night.
Speicher alleged council held two prior closed sessions to discuss her performance.
Speicher also alleged the reason Council-woman Deborah Colocino abstained in the vote to remove Speicher is because she wants to apply for the job she once held. When contacted by phone, Colocino would not answer questions about the matter.
"The abstention would leave it open for her to apply," Speicher said.
Speicher, who served as manager and accountant, said the job was "demanding."
She said she contacted Council President Marguerite Dyroff on Wednesday after reading of her dismissal in the newspaper to ask her if she should show up for work.
Colocino was borough manager for about five years, Dyroff said in a brief interview late Wednesday afternoon.
Previously, she, too, was dismissed by council, but no reason was given, Dyroff added.
