Zygmont: Manager Search Ends with PW Director

The search is over – at least for the time being.

Hatboro officials have decided not to seek outside applicants for its , whose last day of work was Friday.

In Plaugher’s place, Public Works Superintendent Fred Zollers – who was named interim borough manager last week – will serve through at least the remainder of the year in both roles, according to Hatboro Borough Council President John Zygmont.

“Through the end of the year, he will be evaluating whether he would like to continue in the job, and we will get a feel for how he handles the job,” Zygmont wrote in an e-mail to Patch. “Over the next several months we will evaluate staffing needs and realign duties where appropriate. Part of our concern in naming Fred as Acting Manager was to make sure that he could return to that position if the arrangement did not work.”

Zygmont said Zollers would work from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at borough hall “subject to changes necessitated by other meetings.”

The council is still working through the compensation arrangements for the dual role, Zygmont said.

Upon his hire in June 2011, Plaugher earned $75,000. His salary was $80,000 when he resigned last week.

By not replacing Plaugher, it seems Hatboro would save salary and benefit expenses. But, without knowing how much Zollers would be compensated, it was not clear what the true savings would be.

Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner had previously served as the borough manager, receiving an additional $25,000 per year for his dual role.

At the time Gardner was in both positions, then

Despite the problems that arose previously when a borough employee worked in both positions, Councilwoman Patty Fleming said she supports having Zollers as the borough manager.

“He’s a great guy,” Fleming said of Zollers. “He lives in the borough – that’s half the issue.”

Neither Plaugher of Downingtown, nor his predecessor, , were local to Hatboro. With Zollers, Zygmont said that is no longer the case.

“Fred is a lifelong resident and therefore brings a knowledge of Hatboro to the job. I think that is something missing with the Managers we have had from the outside,” Zygmont said. “There will be no learning curve with Fred having to get background on Borough operations. He is well known in the community already.” 

Zygmont said several borough staffers “have already stepped up” to offer assistance “in whatever way possible.”  

Not that Zollers is expected to need much help.

“I think Fred has the background which will allow him to ‘hit the ground running’ and will have the support of Council and Staff to make a seamless transition to the position,” Zygmont said.