The City of Harrisburg has publicly released a critical email that sparked the termination of former Communications Director Mischelle Moyer, alongside an official statement refuting the document’s allegations.
The release comes after weeks of public speculation following Moyer’s placement on administrative leave in late June and her subsequent dismissal in early July.
On June 17, Moyer forwarded an email document titled “Things Council Needs to Know” to the Harrisburg City Clerk, claiming it was an anonymous submission received through a public city email portal. The document levied broad allegations against several municipal officials—including Mayor Wanda Williams and Deputy Director of Public Works Dave West—criticizing city management over park project spending, alleged unauthorized pay raises, and workplace conduct.
However, internal digital forensics conducted by the city revealed a different origin:
“City electronic records revealed the document was created by Ms. Moyer on her City Computer two hours before she sent it to the Clerk,” administration officials stated. “A digital search found no evidence of any such complaint being received on the City’s general informational email.”
In an accompanying response authorized by Mayor Williams, city officials rejected the letter’s claims as false, “snarky,” and grounded in inaccurate speculation:
Unapproved Raises: The city clarified that while salary raises for certain employees were proposed, they were ultimately never approved or paid out.
Parks Project Management: The document targeted an official regarding city park grants who, according to administration records, does not work for or have oversight of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Budget Operations: Addressing concerns about financial management, the city noted that the Budget Manager position had been vacant for over six months, explaining why external assistance was sought for budget preparation.
City officials characterized the document as a personal “diatribe” and “rant,” adding that the vulgarity and gossip contained within “says more about its author than anyone else.”
Although the city determined the document was exempt from mandatory disclosure under Pennsylvania’s Right-To-Know Law, Mayor Williams directed its public release to put an end to rumors surrounding Moyer’s abrupt exit.
Moyer, who had served as Harrisburg’s communications director since December 2024, was officially terminated on July 9. City Administrator Antonio Megna stated that the city has no further comment on the matter and will begin recruiting for the vacant communications post.
