GPD raises introduced

0

Two pieces of legislation that would authorize pay increases for members of the Greenfield Police Department and allow prisoners from West Union to be housed in the Greenfield jail had their first reading at Wednesday’s village council meeting.

In October of 2016, council voted to allow the then-current collective bargaining agreement, which covered GPD sergeants, patrol officers and dispatchers, to expire and to not negotiate a new agreement.

If Ordinance 22-17 is adopted, it would give a 2 percent raise, effective Jan. 7, 2018, to those same GPD employees.

“It’s a dangerous occupation, we appreciate the job they’re doing, they no longer have a union, I feel they’re doing a good job, and other people tell me that,” Greenfield City Manger Ron Coffey said of the reason for the raises that were recommended by council’s finance committee. “I think the crime rate is down, too, so we want to take care of our people.”

If the ordinance follows regular procedure, it would be read at two more meetings before council votes on whether or not to adopt it.

Council also heard the first reading of a resolution that would allow “overflow” inmates from West Union to be housed in the Greenfield Police Department Jail on an as-needed basis, and as long as there is space available.

“The upshot for Greenfield is that the expected revenues from this agreement will help defray some costs of the local police department without adding much in the way of cost,” Coffey said in his report to council.

Coffey said West Union would pay Greenfield $65 a day for housing inmates. He also that the GPD would not have to hire any additional officers.

Also in his report, Coffey told council that the village has received quotes for paving the first two blocks of South Second Street along the Recreation and Civic Center and St. Benignus Catholic Church, with the work to take place next Wednesday and Thursday. He said the paving will be done by Quality Paving at a cost of $24,710.

In a separate matter, Coffey said he talked with Highland County Commissioner Shane Wilkin last week and that it appears the best chance of getting the South Central Ohio Industrial Park in Greenfield certified by the state will come in late spring of next year. He said that Nicole Oberrecht, who has shepherded the process since its beginning, is tied up dealing with a Rocky Fork Lake grant and will not be available to Greenfield until April of next year.

Coffey said he has also been working on a deal to reduce Greenfield’s electric rates on city owned property.

“Our electric supplier is Interstate Gas Supply and the projected savings, if we accept their offer, comes to $7,456.22,” Coffey said.

He said that according to IGS, the opportunity came about because the energy market is currently at its lowest point since April of 2016. He said there are still questions and details to discuss.

“Just to clarify,” Coffey said, “this is for the rate we pay on village of Greenfield property, such as the City Building, wastewater treatment plant, and other locations around the community, and is separate from the aggregation program offered to the citizens of Greenfield.”

The city manager also noted upcoming events in Greenfield:

• The 10th annual Run 4 Hannah 5K Run/Walk starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at Felson Park. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $25 on the day of the race or $20 in advance. Over the years the run has raised more than $70,000 for the Hannah Marie Losey Scholarship Fund.

• The Paint Creek Firefighters Association Halloween Parade is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. Parade lineup starts at 5 p.m. at the school colonnades on North Fifth Street.

• Highland County Beggar’s Night and the Greenfield Safe Trick or Treat are both scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.

Reach Jeff Gilliland at 937-402-2522 or [email protected].

Greenfield City Manager Ron Coffey is shown at a past village council meeting.
http://www.timesgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2017/10/web1_Coffey-Ron-mug.jpgGreenfield City Manager Ron Coffey is shown at a past village council meeting.
Greenfield jail may house West Union inmates

By Jeff Gilliland

[email protected]

No posts to display