The Cumru Township commissioners have voted to abruptly terminate a pair of township officials due to unspecified personnel issues.

At a meeting Jan. 5, supervisors voted unanimously to end the employment of Bob McNichols, public works superintendent.

They also voted 4-1 to terminate the employment of the township manager, Jeanne Johnston, with Lisha Rowe voting against the termination.

Commissioners declined to comment on the reasons for the terminations, although personnel issues were discussed in an executive session that ran for over an hour before the votes.

After the vote, Commissioner Andrew Donnell said the township was losing something special with the departure of Johnston.

“Jeanne dedicated decades of her life this township and for that everyone in here should be grateful to her,” Donnell said. “She is as passionate a person about the welfare of this township as you will find. That, I don’t think, is going to be disputed.”

Rowe also praised Johnston for her commitment to the township.

“Cumru was so fortunate to have her history, brilliant mind that had the ability to recall all minute details through the years, and her true deep compassion in all aspects of Cumru,” Rowe told the Reading Eagle. “She earned the respect of many organizations and people in which she collaborated with on behalf of the township. Everything may not have been perfect, but I’ve seen her painstakingly thrash through the toughest situations.”

Michael Yost, previously assistant public works superintendent, was appointed to fill McNichols’ role.

Commissioners also voted to appoint Peter Marshall & Associates, State College, to serve as interim manager and find a new manager.

Commissioner Greg Miller noted that Marshall & Associates has filled in as interim manager in nine other municipalities, usually staying in the position for six months to a year.

Miller noted that Marshall has 30 years of township management experience, including serving as the manager of State College borough for 17 years.

Rowe abstained from the vote to hire Marshall. She said she abstained due to having never met Marshall.