Brackenridge officials ask for patience during staff shortage

Brackenridge Mayor Lindsay Fraser is asking residents to be patient while the borough administrative staff undergoes transitions to help solve staff shortages.

While some people have taken to social media with complaints about their difficulty reaching anyone at the borough building, Fraser said, residents can “expect more efficient and accessible local government services” in about six weeks.

Borough officials declined to discuss the reasons for the staff shortages.

“The administrative office currently has temporarily reduced office hours for walk-in and resident phone calls due to a staffing shortage,” Fraser said.

The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and accepts walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For many years, there were two staff members. Now there’s only one, secretary Denise Tocco, who also doubles as the borough treasurer.

But Tocco is also set to retire, Councilman Dino Lopreiato said.

“Were in a transition stage,” Lopreiato said.

“We’re short-staffed but be patient. It will get better.”

At the same time, council is looking to hire a manager for the first time in decades.

According to a post on LinkedIn, the borough is seeking someone with a bachelor’s degree and three to five years of experience to head the day-to-day business of the borough, execute policies and manage finances.

They also would be tasked with modernizing operations, which might include establishing a dynamic website or email for council and administrative staff.

Fraser said upcoming changes will likely include borough-issued email addresses for senior administrative staff, department heads and council, as well as online bill pay and account management options.

“I expect that these changes will take place within the next six to 12 months, if not sooner,” Fraser said.