The executive director of the Mill Creek MetroParks resigned in August and left with what some are saying is a rather large severance package, but the two board members who voted in favor of that deal are still not saying why.
Dave Imbrogno resigned Aug. 31, and according to his handwritten letter of resignation, he resigned per the terms of the severance agreement offered and initiated by the board of park commissioners.
The severance package paid the former executive director $96,000 in cash along with health benefits for one year. The board president said she did not want Imbrogno to resign and is not in favor of the agreement.
"The first time I saw it was in the executive session the night of the Aug. 31 meeting," said Ginny Dailey. "I was shocked when I saw it. I had no real time to digest it properly. I argued long and hard against it, and I voted against it in a public meeting."
Board members Jay Macejko and Carl Nunziato approved the package. Nunziato did not return calls to discuss the issue, and Macejko said he may release a statement on the matter soon.
Mahoning County Probate Judge Mark Belinky, who appoints the members of the metro parks board, said he is concerned about the situation and has asked to meet with the board.
"The taxpayers have a right to know," Belinky said. "Just like this court, we have accountability, and this certainly has raised a lot of questions."
