County treasurer honored for 32 years of service [The Citizens’ Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.]

Dec. 16--WILKES-BARRE -- Michael Morreale, a Democrat finishing his 32nd and final year as Luzerne County treasurer, was honored Thursday at the county commissioners' meeting.

"You will never be forgotten," Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla said.

The new county home-rule charter is eliminating the current form of government, and voters no longer will elect a treasurer. Morreale's last election victory came four years ago against Republican Gina Nevenglosky.

"I will really miss the county and all of its employees, especially my staff," said Morreale, 77. "I had a great staff."

The new home-rule government starts Jan. 2. In the current government, the treasurer was responsible for depositing county funds in bank accounts, collecting tax revenue and issuing dog, fishing and hunting licenses.

"Mike really is a servant of the people," Wilkes-Barre Township political activist Bob Caruso said.

Morreale added he will miss his annual fundraiser -- a traditionally well-attended pig roast.

"So will we," Petrilla responded.

Appointments

Also at Thursday's meeting, the commissioners approved a series of personnel appointments and appointments to boards and commissions. The final commissioners' meeting is scheduled for Dec. 29, and they plan to adopt a 2012 budget for the new government.

The commissioners voted to promote prison Maj. James Larson to deputy warden. Larson's salary will increase from $58,735 year to $63,735. They appointed Chief Solicitor Vito DeLuca to be an assistant solicitor effective Dec. 23. DeLuca will replace Neil O'Donnell, who is resigning as an assistant solicitor.

The new county council will appoint a county manager, who then will be responsible for nominating a new chief solicitor. Council then has to vote to confirm the next chief solicitor.

Settlements

The commissioners voted to settle two sexual harassment lawsuits from prison employee Leah Beckley and former prison employee Angela Sweet. The settlement amounts total $100,000, Controller Walter L. Griffith Jr. said.

The county will pay about $45,000 on the settlement to meet insurance-deductible obligations, and an insurer will cover the balance, Assistant County Solicitor Steve Menn said. The deductible obligations from the cases will end up costing a total of $50,000, Menn said.

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