New Waterford council OKs raises
By KEVIN HOWELLNEW WATERFORD- Despite ongoing issues regarding the stability of the village's general fund, Village Council approved 4-2 Tuesday night a pay increase for two maintenance workers.
The raises are compensation for the extra workload the employees will have since Village Administrator Fred Fink will be on an extended leave of absence until at least the spring, according to Fiscal Officer Mike Harold. The department currently consists of Fink and the two laborers, so their work duties will be increased significantly, he noted.
One employee will receive an hourly raise of $.50, while the other will receive one of $1. The new wages will continue even after Fink returns.
Councilwoman Janet Monday voted against the raises, suggesting instead a one-time bonus that will not affect the employees permanent wages.
But Councilman Bill Phillips stated that a bonus will still require money from a struggling general fund and that the workers deserve the compensation.
In related news, Harold reported that the village will finish 2009 with deficit spending, although its balance is more than enough to cover it.
The village will have spent approximately $50,000 more this year than it will generate due to decreased revenues, over $10,000 in lost interest the past two years and two levy non-renewals since 2006, he said.
However, the village has been granted a court order from the Columbiana County Common Pleas Court to transfer funds from special funds such as the Water Deposit or FEMA ones, Harold noted.
Council has been looking at various ways to generate approximately $25,000 for the general fund, including the possible elimination of the .5 percent tax credit offered to residents who pay taxes in other communities where they work or placing a levy on a future election ballot, Harold said, adding that another option could include cuts to the police force, which constitutes 64 percent of the general fund.
The second in a series of three public forums to discuss the issue is scheduled for noon Saturday at the community center and the third one is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the community center.
Also at the meeting, council agreed to bid out several pieces of equipment in a silent auction. Items include a 1989 Chevy 3/4 ton pickup, a Swanson V-Box salt spreader for an 8-foot bed on a pickup, a 20-foot flat trailer and a Sewer Jet machine (scrap). Bids may be sent to 3760 Village Park Drive, P.O. Box 287, New Waterford Ohio 44445.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
