Tensions rise over time card and deputy sheriff rehiring at Somerset commissioners meeting

Somerset County, PA — Tensions rising at the Somerset county commission meetings as the year is about to come to a close.

"Time cards for employees" were questioned by residents, as well as the hiring of a former deputy sheriff by law enforcement.

Lester Younkin, of Somerset county, says he filed a right to know request that was approved. He says it shows timecards of several county employees that he felt showed a mishandling of how they were approved.

“The whole year, you fought me tooth and nail, or anybody else that raised a concern.” Younkin says. “You three caused all of this. All of it.” he says.

The commissioners say the H.R. director has authority over that portion of timecards. Secretary Commissioner, Pamela Tokar-Ickes says the H.R. director is not in the wrong.

“I feel that it’s very unfair to her, you know? There’s a lot of statements that are made. You know, fraud is a very strong word. There's no fraud here" say the commissioners.

They say the policy in place, named the 'Sick Leave Bank Policy,' needs to be reviewed.

About the rehiring of a former deputy sheriff, Somerset county acting sheriff, Dusty Weir, says the person was not approved through the police academy, for a physical training course, almost a year ago.

He says the state approved this person’s application, to retake the evaluation.

“I have him rescheduled through the state to go back to the physical fitness part on December 20th. But I need him rehired back, and there they are refusing to hire him back.” Weir says.

“All you can do on that, is if he steps over the budget. That’s it. He is the sole authority.” says Lester Younkin.

“And as I told you yesterday, Mr. Younkin, this is not about hiring and firing. This is about ensuring that the county can pay him.” says secretary commissioner, Pamela Tokar-Ickes.

She says the time frame requirement for someone to be qualified, has been made clear.

“And we will work with you, to make sure that we can make sure that this individual, if he is qualified, can attend that training.” Tokar-Ickes says.

Officials say the solution to this barrier should only be discussed privately.

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