Tarentum Council unanimously approved a new contract with Borough Manager Michael Nestico.
The agreement council accepted Tuesday will keep Nestico for two more years, until Dec. 31, 2021.
For 2020, Nestico’s salary was increased by 3.5%, from $82,000 to $84,870. That increase is in line with that of other borough employees, officials said.
Nestico, a lawyer, was previously the city manager of Jeannette.
“I’m very happy that they want to continue having me there,” said Nestico, 37. “I’m excited for the opportunities we have ahead. We have a lot of potential in the town.”
Nestico cited the comprehensive plan in the works between Tarentum, Brackenridge and Harrison, and the borough’s own efforts toward combating blight through building demolitions.
“There are a lot of creative opportunities that we have in the borough,” he said. “Council has been very willing to push forward and try to make large, important changes in the community.”
Council President Scott Dadowski said Nestico has been “a tremendous asset to the borough.” He noted that, as borough manager, he also manages the borough’s water and electric utilities.
“He has proven himself by leaps and bounds in the last two years,” Dadowski said. “He’s definitely someone we want to keep around as our manager, for sure.”
Dadowski said Nestico has helped move Tarentum into the 21st century, citing improvements to the borough’s website to better inform the public.
“He’s brought all of his experience as a lawyer and from other municipalities he’s worked in to us,” Dadowski said. “He really has been a breath of fresh air, to be honest.”
Tarentum hired Nestico in December 2017, and he started in January 2018. His first contract expired at the end of 2019.
Nestico started at a $65,000 annual salary. In June 2018, council approved a 26% pay increase, taking his salary to $82,000.
