York fire chief granted one more year to move into city after surprise decision
Neil StrebigAfter weeks of debate, York City Council members surprised Fire Chief Chad Deardorff with a resolution granting him one more year to find residency in the city limits during a legislative meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The decision, which was not on the agenda, was passed unanimously.
"I had no idea it was coming," said Deardorff. "It was a pleasant [decision]."
The resolution comes three weeks after Council members voted to deny a waiver for the chief's residency during a committee planning meeting on Jan. 29, citing breakdowns in communication between Mayor Michael Helfrich's administration and the Council.
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Had the Council remained firm on its previous decision, it would have forced Deardorff, who lives in Manchester Township, to step down from his position. However, he would have retained his salary as fire chief.
Deardorff was originally granted a one-year extension in February 2019. Per city ordinance, department heads have 120 days following their appointment to move into York unless a resolution is passed by the council. With the decision, Deardorff now has one more year to relocate.
"I'm certainly happy for him and his family," Helfrich said.
"I hope that if you cannot resolve this and cannot move in the city you let us know at the earliest convenience," Council President Henry Nixon said.
Neil Strebig is the food & drink reporter for the York Daily Record and curator for the York on the Move newsletter. He can be reached at nstrebig@ydr.com, 717-825-6582 or via Twitter @neilStrebig.
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