Jason Dailey has become the go-to managerial stopgap for municipalities in the Alle-Kiski Valley facing the sudden departure of their chief administrators.
He might have his work cut out for him in Kiski Township.
The township supervisors hired Dailey this week just days after former Township Secretary Patrick Bono abruptly walked out of a public meeting, protesting a proposed $4 an hour pay cut and loss of a week’s vacation.
A vote was not taken, and after the ensuing executive session, Supervisor Mark Kendall called it quits, too.
Administrative assistant Jerrilyn Mollick also resigned.
Dailey started the role in earnest Friday, camping out at the township office, as he plans to do two or three times a week until the township hires a full-time replacement.
His monthly pay, based on hours worked, is not to exceed $8,500.
The task ahead: keep a township in turmoil afloat, even as he splits his time as Springdale’s interim manager.
“There’s some urgent bookkeeping needs and payroll next week, so we’re hitting the ground running,” he said. “Operations keep going, regardless of whether there’s someone in this seat or not.”
The journeyman manager has worked on a temporary basis for Sharpsburg, Lower Burrell and Allegheny Township, in addition to his full-time experience at West Deer and Crescent Township.
In Allegheny Township, he navigated a predicament similar to the one faced by Kiski Township, coming aboard after a mass resignation of veteran administrators.
Dailey has spoken with board members Brittany Hilliard, Mary Long, Chuck Rodnicki and Bob Ross, he said, and hopes to install processes and procedures to smooth township operations.
“The supervisors have been good about sharing information here,” he said. “The board, I think, recognizes the significance of where we’re at right now.”
Hilliard, Long, Rodnicki and Ross did not immediately return requests for comment.
Dailey also will assist with the searches for a secretary and fifth supervisor, who will serve the rest of the year. He was not aware of any plans to replace Mollick as of Friday afternoon.
Letters of interest for the supervisor position are being accepted through Jan. 31., and until the position is filled for township secretary.
The supervisors meet next at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22, where they’ll pass an amended budget for this year.