BUTLER TWP., Ohio -- Seeking new leadership, the Butler Township trustees placed the township fire chief and administrator on paid administrative leave during Monday's township meeting.

Butler Township trustees unanimously made the decision to place Fire Chief Robert Weiffenbach on leave Thursday. Weiffenbach and the township trustees are trying to reach an agreement on terms for permanent separation.

This Fire Department is no stranger to controversy, as a number of firefighters were fired over unethical computer usage.

In early 2008, 10 firefighters were suspended for allegedly using work computers for inappropriate activity, but an investigation and several court rulings over the past two years changed the initial decision.

Township Administrator Joe Flanagan was also placed on paid leave. Flanagan has been the township administrator for over 10 years and was responsible for much of the development on Miller Lane. Trustees appointed Police Chief Danny Hobbs acting administrator until they find a permanent replacement.

The trustees did not indicate that Flanagan's leave is related to the controversy surrounding the Fire Department.