Newtown Borough Council approved several administrative actions after the announcement that Borough Manager Craig Totaro was retiring at the end of May after two years of service.
Totaro previously served as manager of Lansdowne Borough in Delaware County for 16 years and was the interim manager of Rutledge Borough in Delaware County.
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Council President Emily Heinz announced at the May meeting that officials were already moving forward with plans to handle both the borough’s financial operations and the search for a new manager.
“I would like to announce that Craig has decided to retire and his last day with us will be May 31st,” Heinz said.
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The retirement announcement came shortly after resident Joe Lovi speculated about administrative changes during public comment.
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously approved a proposal from GW Tax and Accounting LLC to provide accounting services beginning June 1.
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Heinz explained that the borough would divide Totaro’s responsibilities between outside accounting support and a separate search process for a new borough manager.
“We are in the process of figuring out how to move forward with that,” Heinz said.
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The council also approved an agreement with the nonprofit Meyner Center at Lafayette College for HR and personnel services related to the new manager search.
Councilmember Julia Woldorf commended the outgoing manager on his work to “move the borough into the 21st Century.”
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Woldorf said Totaro put an administrative structure in place and much of his work is invisible to most residents, citing his work negotiating better contracts and obtaining grants.
During public comment, Lovi asked officials to ensure Totaro documents borough procedures and responsibilities before leaving.
“I think before he leaves, he has to at least document to you guys what he does on a daily basis, on a weekly basis, quarterly, monthly, and so forth,” Lovi said.
Lovi also raised concerns about financial oversight and encouraged council to ensure any outside accounting agreement clearly defines responsibilities.
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Officials briefly explained why the borough selected GW Tax & Accounting.
“It was a cost thing and an experience with municipal accounting thing,” Heinz said.