Sep 11, 2024 By Paul Paterra 2 min read

Billie Bilko has been appointed the new manager of Canonsburg Borough.

Her appointment was approved by a vote of 5-1 at Monday’s meeting. Councilman Eric Chandler cast the negative tally and Councilman R.T. Bell was not in attendance.

Bilko has served as finance manager and assistant borough manager in her three years with the borough. Her new position took effect Tuesday with a probationary period that expires Jan. 13, 2025.

She replaces the retiring Denise Lesnock, who had been with the borough in a number of positions for more than 20 years.

“(Bilko) has served as the finance manager so she brings a very strong knowledge and experience of the finance portion of the borough manager’s job,” said Rich Russo, council president, noting Bilko filled in for Lesnock when she was out on vacation or needed backup. “I think the vast majority of council was impressed with how she handled that capacity. She’s a good fit.”

Also, David Williams was sworn in as a new police officer for the borough during Monday’s meeting. Williams replaces a retiring officer and keeps the department of 18 members.

“We have a new officer on staff that kind of gets us where we need to be as we take on Houston Borough,” Russo said.

In June, Canonsburg officially took over police coverage for Houston, which voted to dissolve its police force in March.

Under the agreement between the two boroughs, Houston pays Canonsburg about $337,000 over a three-year period to provide police services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.