Spa City DPW deputy suspended after admitting misconduct

Saratoga Springs’ deputy public works commissioner has been suspended without pay for five days following his arrest on official misconduct charges, the city announced Thursday.

Joseph O’Neill accused of allowing an employee to work city time for then-Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub.

Golub’s attorney previously told NewsChannel 13 that the allegation was based on a city employee helping unclog the sink using Draino.

O’Neill pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday morning in Saratoga Springs City Court. He will appear in court again in two weeks.

Public Works Commissioner Hank Kuczynski took office Oct. 29 after being appointed by the Saratoga Springs City Council. The position remained vacant after Golub resigned to enter public office.

Kuczynski said he reviewed the report compiled by human resources and interviewed O’Neill. It concluded there were two violations of the city’s ethics code in the spring of 2023 and on or about Jan. 16, 2024.

The suspension is effective immediately.

“While I serve as Commissioner of Public Works, I will work to maintain accountability and this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Kuczynski said in a statement. he said.

Golub is scheduled to appear in court on November 26.