Slippery Rock Borough has officially launched its search for a new borough manager. The council formally accepted Shawn Pugh's resignation at the September borough council workshop last Tuesday.
A Slippery Rock alumni and Butler County resident, Pugh has worked to better Butler County for over two decades. After achieving his Bachelors's in psychology from Slippery Rock University, he continued his studies at Pitt, where he earned a masters in Public Administration. Pugh then served Butler County as a probation officer for 16 years before becoming the Criminal Justice Advisory Board Director, a title he would carry for five years.
Pugh decided to step outside his comfort zone and apply for the job as borough manager to gain experience. Sure enough, he would be selected to fill the position in March 2020.
According to Pugh, the job's biggest challenge is that he has been on call ever since.
Pugh said that his favorite part of the job was getting to serve his community. He explained that he does not work for the borough but for the public, and he recognized that it's his job to get his residents what they need.
When asked about his day-to-day responsibilities, he admits there is paperwork but also describes a variety of tasks. From clearing roadkill, flagging cars in the streets, helping crews with flood damage, and keeping protestors safe, Pugh has undoubtedly experienced a lot in the last two years.
"We have a limited number of employees," Pugh explained, "you basically have to do everything, except police work. Other than that, I do whatever is needed."
Pugh hopes that the person to fill his shoes has experience dealing with the public and managing employees. Even with the best employees, Pugh admitted that collecting them all can be a challenge.
When asked what his most significant accomplishment as borough manager was, Pugh said he was most proud of expanding his employee's health benefits. Before his time at Slippery Rock Borough, employees could not have dependent benefits. Pugh made it possible for his employees and their families to have benefits similar to the initial cost.
The borough will be accepting applications until Sept. 16, 2022.
More information on candidate requirements, duties, and qualifications can be found here.
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