lharris@heraldstaronline,com
STEUBENVILLE City Council met in executive session Tuesday to discuss a proposed settlement to litigation over Steubenville’s 25 neighborhood conservation districts, but not everyone was happy about it.
After voting no on the motion to go behind closed doors again to discuss the proposal, 5th Ward Councilman Willie Paul said he was tired of talk and wanted a decision. The vote was 6-1.
“How much longer are we going to talk about this matter?” an irritated Paul said. “I really think were beating a dead horse. I’m tired of going into executive session and talking about the same thing. We’re paying a lawyer to get on the phone with us, that’s got to be costing us money, and we’re worrying about what we’re paying the (complainant). I really think we’re wasting time.”
STEUBENVILLE City Council ratified a new, three-year deal with AFSCME Local 2015, Tuesday.
The contract, which takes effect upon signature of the mayor, maintains wages at the status quo for Year 1, though the union can execute a reopener clause in July to see if the typical 2.2 percent wage hike is doable.
With the AFSCME contract settled, council can turn its attention to negotiations with police and firefighter unions.
The ordinance, brought to the floor as emergency legislation, passed unanimously.
Council also heard the first reading of an ordinance extending City Manager Jim Mavromatis’s contract for two years, through March 28, 2023. It, too, will hold the line on wages, at least for the first year.
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LINDA HARRIS Staff writer
STEUBENVILLE City Council voted Tuesday to ask voters to renew two existing levies that they say keep Steubenville running efficiently.
The two levies a 0.7 of one percent levy earmarked for street improvements, capital improvements and equipment, parks and recreation and the general fund, and a 0.3 of one percent tax used for salaries and street improvements will be on the May 4 election ballot. If the referendums are approved, the two levies would bring in a total of about $7 million a year for the next five years.
“The levies are not going up,” City Finance Director Dave Lewis said. “Council passed legislation to renew the existing levies for a five-year period. Revenue is projected to be about the same, but may vary slightly.”