Delaware County officials scrambled last month to extend a computer services contract to Orange Township that would bypass the township's fiscal officer, whom the county said it could not work with.

The solution would maintain the county's discounted services to the township, except for the fiscal office, headed by Joel Spitzer. That office was told to get a separate contract.

The problem solved itself Monday when Spitzer resigned, effective immediately.

Spitzer, an attorney, cited growing private demands and a desire to spend more time with his wife and four children.

"I just can't give the township job the attention it deserves," his resignation letter states.

Delaware County Auditor George Kaitsa had blamed Spitzer's accusations against Steve Lewis, the county's information technology director, for his reluctance to renew the county-township contract.

Spitzer alleged that Lewis improperly gained access to township computers to investigate and interfere with a township matter involving Lewis’ wife, Patti, who previously was an assistant under Spitzer.



Patti Lewis had filed a discrimination complaint against the township in which she asked for back pay and raises. The complaint stemmed, in part, from a 4-year-old harassment complaint against Spitzer. The township this year paid Patti Lewis $5,000 to settle that dispute. She was reassigned to oversee document management, cemetery operations and other township business.



In a second resignation, Catherine McCarrell, the township's assistant fiscal officer, said she was leaving, citing a hostile workplace involving an unnamed township trustee.

"I believe elected officials should adhere to the same, if not higher, standards as expected of other government employees," she wrote, noting that trustees aren't required to follow a social networking policy that other staff members are.

McCarrell had held the job for about a year, and said working conditions had gotten progressively worse. "Where I once saw teamwork, I now see distrust and people defensively trying to protect themselves," she wrote.

"I am disappointed that Cathy resigned," trustee Chairwoman Lisa Knapp said. "But I feel like this is a new day for Orange Township and things are going to get better."

Trustees have 30 days to appoint a replacement fiscal officer.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso