HARRISBURG — The State Ethics Commission on Tuesday cited Mount Jewett Borough Council member Brett Morgan for violating the code of ethics regarding his employment with the sewer authority.

According to the order, when Morgan was a member and president of the council and voted to appoint or reappoint people to the borough’s sewer authority, it was with the “knowledge and understanding that those individuals would hire him as an employee” which would result in a pecuniary benefit to himself.

When contacted by The Era, Morgan said, “It wasn’t something that was intentional.”

He said a mistake was made and he’s paying a fine that was levied against him.

According to the commission’s order, Morgan is directed to make a total payment of $15,000 by way of monthly payments until the amount is paid in full. He is not to accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from Mount Jewett Borough representing a full or partial reimbursement of the settlement amount.

He was also directed to file “complete and accurate amended statements of financial interests” for years 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 within 30 days, the order indicated.

Morgan has served on Mount Jewett Borough Council for 18 years.