Pottstown finance director resigns

POTTSTOWN — Borough Finance Director Robert M. Armelin tendered a letter of resignation Tuesday, a borough official confirmed.Armelin's last day with the borough will be Aug. 22, according to Borough Manager Ray Lopez.Lopez said Armelin's resignation letter indicated he found "another opportunity of considerable benefit to my career." Armelin has accepted a position with Richland Township, Bucks County, Lopez said, although he could not confirm what title Armelin might hold at his new post."I was very disappointed to hear about Bob's resignation," said Greg Berry, vice president of borough council. "He did a real nice job with organizing and presenting our data — even if it wasn't good news."

Berry added that the borough is going to need someone to succeed Armelin in a leadership position to guide the borough through the upcoming budget season."Going into budget season the borough is going to need to have that accurate information," he said. "We need someone in a director's role with a strong background in municipal work."Berry added that he would like to see a third party do an exit interview with Armelin so that he might provide candid recommendations as to "what we can do better as a borough."Lopez said it's likely the borough will bring in an interim consultant to fill the position, "making sure we're staying within budget guidelines," during the search for Armelin's permanent replacement."It may take some time to find someone," Lopez said.Armelin, who has been with Pottstown since September 2006, has had some tough calls to make of late.Last month at a borough council meeting, Armelin predicted a $200,000 shortfall in the current borough budget by December. The only way to reduce the potential shortfall at year's end, Armelin said at the time, is to reduce borough expenses now."Last year at this point, things were a lot worse," Armelin said. "But we've got a better budget this year."Prior to Armelin, the position was filled by Joseph Schultz.Armelin failed to return a phone call Tuesday seeking comment.

Pottstown Mercury - 08/06/2008