Coatesville Finance Director Ricky Dean has been fired, the ChesterCountyReporter.com has learned. Dean reportedly was notified of his termination while at home where he is recuperating from injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Kristen Greiger, public relations specialist for the city, refused to comment. She said the city doesn't comment on personnel issues.

But news of Dean's dismissal has spread throughout City Hall. "Everybody here knows about it . . . we were told he wouldn't be coming back," said one person who requested anonymity.

Dean was reportedly injured in an auto accident while traveling home from a city council meeting. Dean has missed the Sept. 22 and 29 council meeting and the Sept. 15 redevelopment authority meeting.

Dean's dismissal comes at a time the city is preparing its 2009 budget.

Dean was hired in 2006 after Walker forced the resignation of then Finance Director Elizabeth McQuisten who was hired by former City Manager Paul Janssen.