Newtown Officials Extend Offer To New Public Works Director

NEWTOWN SQUARE–An offer was extended to George Sharetts to act as Newtown Township's new public works director at the last supervisors meeting on Oct. 22.

"After the discussion we had in probably the last six months, and as you well know we issued a job request for a position description for a public works director," said Township Manager Mike Trio at last Monday's meeting. "After much delay, I'm ready to make a recommendation to the board to recommend George Sharetts."

According to Trio, Sharetts is a resident of Newtown Township and has been an employee with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 17 years. His title at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was director for the Office for General Services at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. His previous responsibilities including plant assistance within the Archdiocesan office center and for parochial and other entities within the Archidocese of Philadelphia network.

The announcement for a new public works director was made in February of this year with the following description, "This position reports directly to the township manager and is responsible for the management, administration, operations, and budgetary requirements of personnel, equipment, projects, and facilities. The successful candidate must be able to manage under emergency situations. A bachelor’s degree in public administration, engineering, business administration, or a related field is required. Salary will be commensurate with prior work experiences. An excellent benefit program is offered."

However, Trio said the new public works director will also act as the township's public information officer and an assistant to the township manager. 

Supervisors unanimously approved, 4-0, with Supervisors Vice Chairman Dr. Ross Lambert absent, to authorize Trio to extend an offer to Sharetts. According to Trio, the salary for the public works director was budgeted for $72,000.

"We will not exceed the budgeted amount," said Trio. "We were able to–over the last 10 months–not dip into that portion of the budget and we've been very efficient with personnel this year."