Arnold clerk Bellavia named city administrator

Arnold has a new city administrator, but not a new employee.

Mario Bellavia, who was hired as city clerk in 2018 — the same year council eliminated the administrator’s position — has been appointed city administrator.

Council on Tuesday unanimously approved establishing the authority, powers, duties and responsibilities of the city administrator, and then appointed Bellavia.

Mayor Joe Bia said council did not seek or interview any other candidates.

Bia said Bellavia’s appointment is for two years.

Bellavia’s annual salary as clerk was $42,000, Bia said. As administrator, his salary will be $65,000.

Bia said the city will save money having Bellavia as administrator because a state grant is covering part of the cost.

The $125,400 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development is to be used for the costs of appointing a city administrator and underwriting a portion of the salary and benefits.

It is also being used to pay for updating the city’s code book and upgrading the treasury office’s computer system.

According to Solicitor David Regoli, council changed the administrator’s powers from how they were first presented in January. Bellavia will not be able to hire or fire any employees. Those decisions will have to go through the mayor and council.

As administrator, Bellavia will retain the title of city clerk, which is required under the Third Class City Code.

Brian C. Rittmeyer and Teghan Simonton are Tribune-Review staff writers. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BCRittmeyer. You can contact Teghan at 724-226-4680, via email at tsimonton@tribweb.com or via Twitter @teghan_simonton.