By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Archbold Village Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, September 5, 2023, with all members present.
Less than three minutes into the proceedings, council went into an executive session to discuss two matters, one pertaining to property and the other regarding employment.
At 6:09 p.m. council returned, and Mayor Brad Grime called the meeting back to order.
In an effort to aid in village employee retention, council voted to approve Resolution 2023-38 accepting the recommendation of the Finance Committee allowing changes to the village employee pay scale and approving village employee wage increase effective January 2024.
The measure allows employees to receive a 3% pay increase after the new year. Furthermore, the pay scale covering all village positions will be adjusted to allow for a 6% increase in starting pay for new hires and 10% increase in maximum pay for all employees.
Assistant Village Administrator Aaron Alt noted that the pay scale is typically reviewed every three years.
Councilor Vaughn Bentz commented “Job retention right now in public service is very tough. We want to make sure we retain (employees).”
Also approved was Resolution 2023-37 Accepting Change Order #1 for the Sanitary Sewer Lining Project, Contract 2-2022.
Alt noted that the project was originally approved for over a million dollars with Covid and capital funds covering the costs.
The village was later awarded $600,000 in other grant funds which helped cover a large portion of the project.
Since capital funds originally budgeted for the project were not used, the village addressed other repairs which increased the contract by approximately $134,000. The increase allows for additional work to be done to Murbaugh Street and the Manor Park area.
Also approved during the meeting were the August 21 meeting minutes, bills, and payroll in the amount of $593,713.53 and the August 2023 financial reports as submitted.
In addition to the Finance Committee minutes from August 21, Council also reviewed Building and Grounds Committee minutes.
Department reports were briefly discussed with Alt noting that income tax receipts for August 2023 were up 2.17%.
Council also reviewed the Fire & EMS Call Response Report and Street Department Reports for August 2023.
The next Archbold Village Council Meeting will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com