WILLIAMSPORT - A federal judge has denied a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against eliminating the Northumberland County Weatherization Department.
However, a hearing to grant a preliminary injunction has been scheduled for today as part of a conference call with all legal counsel.
In a three-page order issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann said the plaintiffs, county weatherizations employees Dwayne Scicchitano, Pamela Bollinger, Robert McAndrew, David Yakoboski, Barry Schweitzer, Jim Bressi and Albert Benedict Jr. failed to demonstrate the need for the temporary restraining order, barring the elimination of the department on June 30, before the matter can be heard in court.
Furthermore, Brann said, any TRO would be moot, considering the time frame involved.
"A TRO may not exceed 14 days," Brann wrote. "The plaintiffs allege the Weatherization Department will close on June 30, well after the expiration of any TRO. Consequently, this remedy would be ineffective and would not prevent the harm Plaintiffs seek to avoid."
The suit, filed May 1, asks a judge to halt the privatization of the weatherization department. Commissioners voted 2-1 April 7 to close the department and transfer services to SEDA-COG, effective June 30. Commissioner Richard Shoch dissented.
The suit alleges Commissioner Vinny Clausi demanded the county weatherization department perform services for a relative and friend who did not meet requirements and when employees tried to report the issue, he cut the department.
The employees are being represented by Michael Zicolello, of Williamsport. The county, Clausi and Bridy will be represented in the hearing by county solicitor Frank Garrigan.