Charleroi has been without a full-time code enforcement officer since August, but that may change soon.

During a meeting this month, council decided to start searching to fill the position, though not all council members were on board with making a new hire.

Council members Nancy Ellis, Jerry Jericho and President Frank Paterra voted against bringing someone on full-time, with Larry Celaschi, Randy DiPiazza, Paul Pivovarnik and Joe Smith voting to move forward with the search.

The borough has been without anyone in the role since John Snelson resigned in August after less than two months on the job.

Snelson was hired in June 2022 to take over the job after an abrupt resignation.

His title came with a $15,000 raise over what the former code officer was making, but Snelson found a new position a few weeks later and submitted his resignation.

Since then, code has been handled by Holly Haley, a part-time administrator, and Borough Manager Matt Staniszewski.

Council was not expected to fill the role full-time until this spring and is now accepting applications.

Filling the position could go a long way toward helping to clean up the borough, but financial concerns have some council members questioning if it’s the right time to hire someone.

“I don’t think we need it right now,” Jericho said. “We are giving and raises and spending money, and to hire more people, I don’t think that is proper.”

Staniszewski said funding is budgeted for the position, and Haley needs help completing the work she has been doing single-handedly for several months.

CHARLEROI • A4 FROM A1 He also reminded council members that they had anticipated making a hire around this time when they decided to forego filling the position last August.

Pivovarnik said while he recognizes Haley has been doing the best she can, she is not capable of handling the job full time.

“Without any disrespect for Holly, when she started the position she was hired as a part-time secretary and she knows she was not qualified for this full time,” Pivovarnik said.

Staniszewski attested to the job Haley has done over the past several months.

“She has stepped up to the plate when she was needed and is definitely as asset,” he said.

The full-time code enforcement officer is responsible for protecting the health and safety borough residents by enforcing ordinances, building codes and other regulations. Officers do field inspections, complete office work, conduct investigations and communicate with the public and council on various issues.

Code also facilitates the planning and zoning hearing board on necessary matters and issues and tracks a variety of permits.

Candidates for the job should be comfortable using independent judgment on a daily basis and should possess conflict resolution skills. They should also be comfortable working in indoor and outdoor environments and in all types of weather conditions. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, a construction or trade school background, computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Maps, be comfortable multitasking and have a valid driver’s license. Preferred requirements include municipal experience, law enforcement, a general knowledge of government operations, knowledge of community and economic development principals, Department of Labor and Industry certification as a building inspector, certification through the Department of Labor and Industry as a fire inspector and certification as through the International Property Maintenance Code, which all will be required within 18 months of hire or when training is available.

Interested candidates must submit hard copies of a resume, cover letter, salary range requirement and three professional references to the borough by April 14.

Salary will be determined based on level of experience. Documents can be mailed to Staniszewski at 338 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi PA 15022.