PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Parking Authority has abruptly fired Executive Director Scott Petri.
His dismissal comes less than one month after City Council passed a resolution to investigate PPA’s finances.
Council said the investigation is linked to a $34 million secret fund that PPA established to pay retiree health benefits.
PPA claims there was no secret fund — it was actually a cost-saving maneuver. It is also denying the resolution’s charge that it is demanding the refund of an $11 million overpayment it claims it made to the Philadelphia School District.
It’s not clear, however, what was the exact reason that prompted Petri’s firing.
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Petri, an attorney from Bucks County, replaced former PPA Director Vince Fenerty Jr. in 2017 after two sexual harassment scandals led to his resignation.
PPA spokesperson Marty O’Rourke said this was a “personnel matter” and couldn't comment further.
Friday will be Petri’s last day, and General Counsel Dennis Weldon will “step in and assume the responsibilities of the Executive Director,” according to a statement.
