Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Middletown Township’s manager was abruptly placed on administrative leave Tuesday afternoon, according to an email to staff obtained by LevittownNow.com.
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Bernadette Hannah, chairperson of the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors, informed municipal staff of the decision to place Township Manager Eden Ratliff on leave in an email sent Tuesday afternoon. The correspondence, which this news organization confirmed with three sources who received it, did not provide a reason for the move.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
“As this is a personnel matter, the township cannot provide additional details at this time,” Hannah told this news organization.
“The Board of Supervisors will address this matter at a public meeting scheduled for Monday, and Township operations will continue under existing administrative staff,” she added.
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Two sources with knowledge of the township’s operations said Ratliff’s administrative leave was not related to any criminal investigation or allegations and the issue was an internal matter.
Despite the change in status, Ratliff remained listed as the township manager on the municipality’s website as of Wednesday morning.
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Township officials have not yet commented on what official will oversee daily operations during Ratliff’s absence. An automated email response from Assistant Township Manager Nick Valla stated he was on parental leave until the end of the month.
Ratliff did not respond to a text or phone call for comment Wednesday morning.
Ratliff assumed the top administrative role last July and succeeded Stephanie Teoli Kuhls after her retirement.
In January, the supervisors showed confidence in Ratliff by voting to approve his contract with bipartisan and unanimous support.
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During his time leading the township, Ratliff, who earns an annual salary of $215,000, has focused on strategic planning, budget development, and increasing transparency. He also oversaw the supervisors’ plan to increase taxes last year to address rising costs and infrastructure investment.
After the contract approval in January, Ratliff expressed excitement for his job in the township, stating he valued his collaboration with residents and staff and looked forward to his work each day.
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A native of Chester County, Ratliff arrived in Middletown Township after serving as deputy city manager in Charlottesville, Virginia. His career in municipal government includes stints as manager for Kennett Township, Greencastle Borough, and Ford City in Pennsylvania.
Ratliff holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in employment and labor relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public management from Johns Hopkins University.
