Borough Hires New Borough Manager

Editor's Note: Check back tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. to learn more about Shane Pepe, the new Emmaus Borough Manager. He's the subject of this week's "People in Our Neighborhood" feature.

Shane Pepe’s ears were probably burning last night.

That’s because he was the topic of conversation at the Monday night meeting, where council voted 7-0 to hire Pepe as the new Emmaus Borough Manager.

Pepe, who is currently the borough manager in Berwick, was attending his last Berwick Borough Council meeting Monday night, according to Emmaus Councilman Mike Waddell. “He really wanted to be here, but I am sure you can understand he felt obligated to wrap things up with them,” Waddell said.

Pepe officially takes over as Emmaus Borough Manager on Jan. 23, 2012, for a one-year term ending on Jan. 6, 2013 at a salary of $80,000.

Councilman Nathan Brown was one of them many council members who said during last night's meeting that they are pleased that Pepe is joining the Emmaus team.

“I am very excited to see Mr. Pepe come in,” Brown said. “It seems like he has a lot to offer and I think this town is going to really appreciate what he has to offer.”

According to the Morning Call, Pepe, age 31, is married with one child, and is touted for helping Berwick to transition from a near-debt financial status to having more than a $500,000 in its rainy-day fund.

Pepe replaces , who at the end of 2011. Neely served as Emmaus Borough Manager for 13 years.