MOUNT VERNON — Three city collective bargaining units now have new contracts after Mount Vernon City Council approved legislation Monday night.
According to Mount Vernon City Auditor Terry Scott, the three unions which represent the police department, fire department and civil service personnel, will see no pay increases this year but will realize a 1 1/2 percent raise in 2013 and 2 1/2 percent increase in 2014. Increases in employee contributions for health care premiums will start this year with employees contributing 12 percent of the cost. In 2013, employees will pay 13 1/2 percent and 15 percent in 2014.
In other news, council approved the following:
•A resolution to enter into a cooperative purchasing program with Ohio Department of Transportation for the purchase of 800 tons of road salt.
•The transfer of $15,000 for a part-time computer technician for Mount Vernon Municipal Court and $8,000 for the irrigation system at Hiawatha Water Park/Pool.
•The payment of $8,996.33 to the law firm of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP for legal services. According to Terry Scott, city auditor, preliminary appropriations made early in the year were not enough to cover the expenditure.
•Additional funds totaling $167,989.56 for the widening and safety project on Coshocton Avenue. Bids for the ODOT project came in above estimates, resulting in increased funds necessary from the city. Dave Glass, safety-service director, said the city’s hands were tied regarding the increase but monies are available from the Tax Increment Fund so no General Fund money will be used.
•Special seasonal worker rates were established at $10.20 an hour. This summer program is funded entirely by an Ariel Corp. grant.
•Supplemental appropriations including a $3,500 grant acquired by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, $208 donation from St. Vincent de Paul school for Dogwood Trail trees, $76,557 from Ariel Foundation to extend the sidewalk project from South Division Street to South Main Street, and just over $50,000 in water liens.
Council also heard a second reading of an ordinance to update Chapter 911 of the Codified Ordinances.
The next council meeting will take place Tuesday, May 29. A joint meeting with Mount Vernon Board of Education members will start at 6 p.m. in the basement conference room. The legislative meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.
