The Bradford Housing Authority’s investigation into its books
and operations is still ongoing, solicitor Bob Saunders said
Monday.

The authority started auditing its books and operations in
August as part of an investigation into an unspecified matter.

In August, the authority placed Executive Director Shelley
Whitman on a leave of absence with pay. In return, Whitman and her
attorney Jerry Robinson of the Harrisburg law firm of Robinson
& Geraldo have indicated the authority failed to provide a
specific reason for its actions, claiming the matter could be a
violation of Whitman’s civil service employee rights.

Officials have not indicated exactly what gave impetus to the
investigation.

The authority was supposed to meet in special session today,
however, the meeting was canceled due to a lack of a quorum and
will be held at a later date.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” Saunders said. “We are
hoping it comes to a head soon.”

Until the investigation is settled, the McKean County Housing
Authority in Smethport is supervising the city’s authority on a
temporary basis. An independent auditor is overseeing the audit of
the books.

Whitman oversees the city’s public housing units and Section 8
programs on a daily basis and has said she plans on fighting the
authority’s decision.

The authority has housing units on Bushnell and South Center
streets and Brookline Court. The agency is just one of several
authorities under the auspices of the City of Bradford.

At the August authority meeting, board chairman Terry Lopus said
the authority is just trying to work through the matter the best it
can and do what is right for both the city and authority.

“This is a sensitive and challenging matter,” Lopus said.

There was no word on when the next meeting of the authority will
be held.