Westmoreland tax office director being let go after just 1 year on the job

The Westmoreland County commissioners on Tuesday confirmed that they are firing the director of the county’s tax office after just one year on the job.

According to payroll records released by the county controller’s office, Sarah Minnick, who had served as director of the office that processes property tax payments and records, was suspended without pay in mid-June.

Her firing was listed among personnel actions expected to be approved by commissioners at their Thursday public meeting.

“The tax office is our biggest source of revenue and it needs to run effectively and efficiently,” said Commissioner Sean Kertes. “We need to make sure we are providing enough information to the public, and it really needs to be shored up and modernized for the 21st century.”

Commissioners declined to disclose why Minnick is being ousted. She earned an annual salary of $83,290.

Minnick did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment Tuesday.

For more than a decade, Minnick served as director Fayette County’s tax office. She was hired in June 2024 to take over as head of Westmoreland’s office after director Denyel O’Brien was let go.

O’Brien served three years in the job after more than 25-year career with the county in which she served various roles in the tax office and other departments.

The commissioners said tax office functions have not been compromised as a result of the turnover in leadership.

“I don’t see any systemic issues with this office,” said Commissioner Ted Kopas. “Every personnel situation is different.”

The commissioners said Carol Smartnick, who has been Minnick’s top deputy,will assume duties as interim director.

According to payroll records, Smartnick has worked in the county tax office since 1994.

The commissioners said they will launch a search to hire a permanent director.

The office collects about $100 million annually in property tax revenue and oversees a large scale auction of tax delinquent properties each September. Officials said 200 properties were sold at last year’s tax sale, generating about $2.5 million in revenue.

The office also oversees periodic judicial sales of tax delinquent properties after liens and other financial encumbrances are stripped away by court order.