Pottsville Official Alleges ‘Coup’ in Push to Replace Him as Finance Director

An attempt to oust Pottsville’s current director of accounts and finance prompted accusations of a “coup” before the City Council ultimately tabled the move at its April meeting.

The dispute erupted when Councilman Andy Wollyung motioned to appoint Councilman Scott Price to the finance role, a position currently held by Councilman Jonathan Marsh.

Marsh immediately pushed back against the proposed shakeup, asking, “Is there anything that supports this coup?”

Wollyung countered that it was not a coup. “You can call what you want,” Wollyung said, adding that he had originally bought into the plan the Republican-led majority of Price, Marsh, and Mayor Tom Smith had coming into office at the start of this year.

Wollyung’s motion was quickly backed by Councilwoman Dottie Botto. Because Pottsville operates with a five-member City Council, support from Wollyung, Botto, and Price – presuming he would vote for himself in the once and future role – would constitute a voting majority to force the reassignment if the measure is formally introduced in May.

On the City Council, each elected member is assigned a specific focus. Price was originally assigned to Accounts and Finance at the start of 2026 but earlier this year, stepped aside to take on the Parks and Public Property role, allowing Marsh to assume the finance position.

Wollyung framed his motion as an attempt to ensure transparency and address short-term budget concerns. He claimed there was “push back” when documents were requested and suggested a “bullying tactic got put in and someone was asked to be removed.”

Marsh defended his brief tenure against Wollyung’s claims, stating that any document requested of him as director has been turned around in one business day. He added that his “initiative” to step in for Price allowed the city to address current budgetary issues.

“I had no ulterior motives here,” Marsh said, adding he is on the council “to help.” “This is unfortunate.”

Wollyung clarified that his motion was not a criticism of the work Marsh has done, but noted that if the proposed change back to Price does not work out, it can be switched again.

Smith strongly opposed the switch, aiming his frustration at Price. He asserted that Price’s absence forced the initial reassignment while the city was readjusting its 2026 budget.

“Mr. Price showed up for no meetings, no budgetary stuff,” Smith said. “Never looked at the budget all during January when he had an opportunity. He did nothing with budget.”

Price defended himself, stating that a change in his day job’s structure required him to work from a hotel in New York for three weeks in January. He countered that discussions to remove him from the finance role began in late January, before he took a new job in the city.

“It’s sad that you would use that to try to make a point,” Price told the mayor.

The argument then escalated into a heated exchange, drawing in City Treasurer Taryn Dragna.

When Dragna attempted to speak, Wollyung initially refused to yield the floor, stating, “Hold on, I’m not done.”

Smith interjected, telling Wollyung, “We know what you want. We know what your point is,” as he tried to allow Dragna to continue.

“No, I’m not going to be bullied anymore,” Wollyung replied.

“Tom, you can’t talk to people like that,” Price added.

When Dragna officially entered the conversation, she pointed to each council member, noting they had all visited her office to ask how it was run, except for Price. She claimed Price repeatedly referred to her office as the place where he paid his garbage bill, an assertion Price denied.

Wollyung expressed a desire to establish standard rules across the council, saying, “Every time something comes forth for one way of how things should work, it gets turned around and it’s different now because it’s you guys. I’m tired of it.”

The escalating dispute ultimately ended without a vote. Solicitor Gretchen Sterns intervened, advising council members that acting on the motion might not be appropriate because it was not listed on the meeting’s agenda. She suggested tabling the issue until the May meeting, which Wollyung agreed to do but promised to raise it again when they meet this coming Monday.

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 ...