Barrett Township adopts recusal protocol and hires Amanda C. Graves as operations administrator

Barrett Township’s board of supervisors on Monday adopted a formal recusal and disclosure protocol for cross‑municipal employment and confirmed the hiring of Amanda C. Graves as the township’s operations administrator.

The board approved Resolution 2026-062426, a written protocol that requires the administrator to recuse herself from matters that affect or could appear to affect another municipality where she holds elected office; to seek a written determination from the township solicitor if unsure whether recusal is required; to submit annual financial disclosures; and to maintain a confidential‑information firewall restricting transfer or discussion of township procurement, bid and grant records with officials of the other municipality. The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Why it matters: Several residents had questioned why oversight rules were being formalized after the personnel change. A public commenter asked, “Why are these oversight protocols being created after the personal changes were made?” and urged clearer safeguards to prevent potential conflicts or the appearance of them.

Legal context: Township solicitor Todd Whitesman read an opinion concluding that, on the facts presented, Pennsylvania law does not bar the arrangement because the operations administrator is an employment position rather than a statutory township office. Whitesman told the board that the ethics act “does not prohibit a person from holding two public positions at the same time” but that use of authority to secure private financial benefit would be the trigger for a violation. He recommended adopting the written recusal protocol and recording the opinion in the minutes to preserve good‑faith reliance protections.

Personnel action: The board ratified prior administrative actions, approved an increase in the administrative assistant wage, and voted to hire Amanda C. Graves effective June 15, 2026 at $29 per hour with a 60‑day probationary period; the pay rate is scheduled to increase to $30 per hour on successful completion of probation. The board also appointed Graves as the township’s Right‑to‑Know officer and updated the township’s Right‑to‑Know policy to reflect that appointment.

What remains next: The resolution requires annual review and provides that the board may direct recusal even when no actual conflict exists if that step is necessary to protect public confidence. The solicitor noted that the opinion depends on the facts presented and that different facts in the future could change the legal analysis.

Officials involved: The action and the solicitor’s opinion were taken during a public meeting after residents raised concerns about timing and transparency; the board said it will continue to exercise oversight of purchases, grants and contracting and that any potential cross‑municipal matters will be handled under the adopted protocol.

Ending: The motion to adopt the resolution and the hiring/appointments were approved by voice vote during the meeting.