Schuylkill County Commissioners appear to have slipped back into a questionable practice last week, raising concerns about transparency in government operations. During their Dec. 18 meeting, they tabled a proposal to approve a backdated contract for their recently retired Finance Director, Paul Buber. The lack of details provided to the public further amplified those concerns.
Backdating contracts was once a common occurrence at the Courthouse, where the Commissioners were often asked to approve agreements that had already started. This practice effectively limited oversight, as the Commissioners were forced to rubber-stamp deals after the fact. Over the past year, this approach had largely been curtailed, but the recent proposal suggests a return to old habits.
The proposed contract for Buber was listed on the meeting agenda with minimal information—just his name and a brief description of the contract’s purpose. Missing were crucial details, such as the hourly rate, contract duration, or a cap on earnings. These omissions made it difficult for the public to scrutinize the deal before the planned vote.
When pressed for details during the meeting, County Administrator Gary Bender explained that Buber would be paid $90 per hour to serve as an interim Finance Director until a replacement is hired. The contract, set to expire at the end of 2024, would not include a cap on total hours worked. However, Bender noted that a subsequent contract proposed for 2025 would include such a cap.
Bender appeared to be the most informed about the terms of the agreement, but none of these details were disclosed on the public agenda. This lack of transparency drew criticism, as it prevented meaningful public input ahead of the Commissioners’ deliberations.
Buber retired on Dec. 13 after serving as the County Finance Director. And his retirement was hardly a secret or unexpected. It’s been known for months. Chairman Larry Padora acknowledged the delay, saying the proposed contract “just slipped through the cracks” and was omitted from the agenda “for whatever reason.”
Even if the Commissioners approve the contract during their Dec. 24 meeting, it will be backdated to Dec. 16, just days after Buber’s retirement. Critics argue this could have been avoided entirely with better planning, as the need for interim services was foreseeable.
Padora revealed that an offer has been made to a prospective replacement for Buber. Even after a new Finance Director is hired, the County expects to retain Buber’s on-demand services to hopefully ensure a smooth transition.
While Buber’s expertise may be valuable during this period, the lack of transparency and the return to backdating contracts have reignited some concerns about accountability at the Courthouse.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...