The Du Bois City Council convened on March 25, 2024, to address several pressing issues, notably the controversial bonus payments made to key city officials over the past nine years. The meeting began with a procedural vote, as suggested by the city solicitor, which was successfully passed by the council.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the bonuses quietly awarded to city employees from 2014 to February 2022. Resident Debbie Meckling raised concerns regarding the unusual practice of granting bonuses without public discussion or a clear policy. She cited Greg Primm, a former president of the Pennsylvania Association advocating for professionalism in local government, who expressed that such practices are not typical in municipal governance.

Meckling highlighted that the bonuses were not formally voted on by the previous council and were initiated by the former city manager. She emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that the current council should negotiate the return of these funds as part of the ongoing termination process for the former city manager, Mr. Cipollizio.

The discussion included specific figures regarding the bonuses awarded in 2022, which totaled over $357,000 for the former city manager alone, alongside substantial amounts for other key staff members. The total financial implications, including salary and attorney fees, amounted to over $1.5 million over the nine-year period.

The council's deliberations on this matter reflect a growing demand for transparency and ethical governance in Du Bois, as residents seek clarity on the financial practices of their local government. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate these issues and ensure that such practices are addressed moving forward.