ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A resident wrote a letter criticizing Mayor Kathryn Thalman for a social media post, and a councilman read that letter during a Monday teleconference meeting.

Councilman Frank Sabatino read the letter and also had several questions about the process of closing out the books for 2020 and setting up appropriations for 2021.

Thalman had shared a post that quoted conservative commentator Candace Owens referring to “liberals” as “communists.” It was deleted from Thalman’s personal page, but there have been numerous comments about the matter on a Facebook page devoted to the city.

Sabatino read the letter by resident Matt Berher, who also addressed a letter to the mayor. He wrote that the post was not a sign Thalman was attempting to end political division in the city.

“Since you’ve taken office, I would venture to say that you’ve done more to fan the flames of political division than you have done to end them,” Sabatino quoted. “You are not a representative for all.”

Berher stated that Thalman created a “lack of trust” in her office and has not followed through on her campaign promise of transparency.

“You have lost the trust of this writer,” Berher wrote. He concluded by asking for an apology from Thalman.

Council President Jim Velas said the matter of personal social media posts would not be discussed in the meeting, since it was not a matter on which council could act.

“People’s posts on their own personal pages, whether they’re good posts, bad posts, wise or unwise, is up to them to have to deal with, especially this particular post has to do with national politics, and we are not going to get into a discussion of national politics,” Velas said.

Councilwoman Linda Jordan said she also has received calls from residents with similar concerns to Berher.

In other matters, Finance Director Annette Williams reported her office is still putting the “finishing touches” on the city finances for 2020 and working on appropriations for 2021 that should be ready by the next meeting.

Sabatino inquired about whether the books for 2020 were not balanced.

“They’re mostly balanced,” she said. “We want to make sure everything gets posted right and we’re doing a really good inspection of the books from last year. … We just want to have a really good audit.”

She said the impact of COVID-19 and the grants received to aid with expenses related to the pandemic must be taken into account.

Sabatino inquired about a visiting clerk, who Williams confirmed was taken on by the city in December through March 31 at $35 per hour and has been paid $6,332 so far.

Williams said the clerk’s time was expected to decrease shortly. She said her office was also streamlining the financial process.

Sabatino also noted Williams received a $5,000 raise this past September. Her salary went from $62,500 to $67,500 according to her contract.

Sabatino wondered if another employee who had left the city’s employ might not have been able to handle that work on the city’s payroll.

Velas said speculation was not relevant.

Other council members pointed out the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and the additional workload.

Councilwoman Terra Butler commended the work thus far.

“She’s doing an excellent job,” Butler said. “When you’re ahead of the game, you’re ahead of the game, and that’s cut and dry. … I think that COVID has thrown in a lot of different angles and a lot of things that we didn’t have to think about before. I think we’re very on top of things.”

Councilman Perry Basile said the finance office was also making bookkeeping and accounting improvements that should have been done in the past. He added money has been found and saved by streamlining the system.

In answer to a question from Councilwoman Beth Oprisch, Williams said her office processed almost $500,000 in COVID-19 funds.

In other matters, Thalman reported talks continue with the Belmont County Commissioners on preparations for the planned changeover of water service from the city reservoirs to purchasing water from the county, as per mandates by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Safety and Service Director Jeremy Greenwood reported he is looking into applications for potential Ohio Environmental Protection Agency revolving loan funds, which could include principal loan forgiveness.

City employees were also commended for their work in clearing the roads of snow. Recognition also went to police officers who check on adults known to be alone.

Residents are asked to refrain from parking on the streets during the heavy snows, since this blocks the city employees in their tasks.

Basile also reported the city was ready to begin remodeling of restrooms in the recreation center and in the city building. Progress is also being made in plans to restore a historic railroad depot on Sugar Street.

The next meeting will be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, due to Presidents Day that Monday.