$200K Termination Deal Reached With Ex-Morrisville Police Chief

MORRISVILLE, PA —Former Morrisville Police Chief George McClay said he will receive $200,000 in a termination settlement reached this past week.

McClay, who was terminated in November while on vacation in Mexico, told Patch that he reached a "separation settlement" approved unanimously by Morrisville Borough Council at its meeting on Tuesday night.

The payout included $55,000 in unpaid PTO to the retired Philadelphia police lieutenant who led the police department since 2014.

"We are pleased to have this chapter closed, allowing us to move forward," Mayor Gary Wallace told Patch on Monday. "Our borough is at a pivotal moment, and we are eager to welcome a new leader for our police department. Selecting the right leader is our top priority, as this individual will be crucial in continuing the excellent work that has already begun."

The council relieved McClay of his duties, taking disciplinary action it had considered when it had authorized a Loudermill notice against the chief.

A Loudermill notice is a form of disciplinary action in which public-sector employers may give notice to employees of their intent to suspend, demote, or terminate them.

McClay previously said the borough offered him a 30-day suspension which he believed was "outrageous." McClay said he countered with a five-day suspension but that was not approved by the council.

McClay stated that the termination was illegal and vowed to appeal the decision.

"It was increasingly difficult and challenging to work with Morrisville's Borough Council over the past two years," McClay told Patch in an email over the weekend. "The Borough Council challenged my every decision and attempted to tarnish a reputation I worked hard to build over the past 40 years as a law enforcement professional. The settlement demonstrates that the charges were inaccurate and outrageous. The mediation settlement that was requested by the borough allows me to move on with my career with a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing I have served the citizens of Morrisville Borough well."