Plum promotes deputy to tax collector's job

Plum officials promoted from within to fill the late Fran Ferragonio’s shoes.

He was the borough’s tax collector and retired Penn Hills police officer and juvenile detective.

Ferragonio died May 28 after a long fight with respiratory issues. He was 64.

Council voted 6-0 Monday night to appoint deputy tax collector Lisa Lagnese as his replacement.

Councilman John Anderson was absent.

Lagnese, a Plum resident and 1978 Turtle Creek Area graduate, worked in the borough’s earned income tax office for a year and a half before it closed in 2012. She’s been the deputy tax collector since 2015.

“I knew Fran from many years ago,” Lagnese said. “After working with him for a year and a half, I realized that Fran has the biggest heart of anybody I’ve ever met in my life. He just did so many things for so many people.”

Council President Mike Doyle, former tax collector, and current Mayor Harry Schlegel also gave their condolences to Ferragonio’s family, and said Lagnese will do a fine job.

“She’s got four years training and experience in it,” Schlegel said. “She’s ready to go.”

It’s unclear who will be the next deputy tax collector.

“Harry trained me and I also trained Fran,” Lagnese said. “I will definitely be able to fit the role as Plum borough property tax collector.”

Tax collector’s office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 4555 New Texas Road.

Property owners who have not received their tax bill by the end of July should contact the office at 412-795-6800.

People with address or mortgage changes, or who have recently paid off their mortgage, should do the same.