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MARTINS FERRY -- City Council met in special session Wednesday and approved General Fund expenditure appropriations in the amount of $2,810,998 for this year.
After calling the meeting to order, council President Kristine Davis acknowledged the hard work that went into the budgeting process.
"I want to commend everyone involved in putting this appropriations ordinance together," she said. "… It took a lot of time, a lot of work and a lot of thought."
New Auditor Jack Regis Sr. then addressed council, saying he wanted to provide "full disclosure ... off the bat." He then discussed some of the highlights of the appropriations package, including that the city had a $33,000 carryover heading into the current fiscal year, which ends Dec. 31. He said one unexpected expense was $110,000 in "payouts" due to retirements, with another $30,000 in payouts expected next year.
Regis said he was able to work with Mayor John Davies to keep some positions temporarily open after they were vacated, leading to some savings.
In addition, officials crafting the budget were able to move one dispatcher position from the police department fund to the EMS fund, creating savings for the police. And a similar move was made regarding the mayor's insurance coverage, due to his efforts to assist the EMS department.
Council members voted unanimously -- with Councilman James Schramm absent -- to first amend the appropriations ordinance to include directing 4% of income tax receipts to the Recreation Department. That includes the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center on Fourth Street and the adjacent swimming pool, ball fields, playground, basketball courts and amphitheater at City Park. The rec center has been gaining popularity in recent months, thanks to offering events such as free roller skating sessions on select Sundays.
Council then voted to approve the appropriations ordinance as amended, taking action ahead of an April 1 deadline. Prior to each vote on the legislation, council also voted to declare an emergency and suspend the rules requiring three public readings of proposed legislation. All votes were unanimous.
In other matters, council heard a Finance Committee report from Councilwoman Suzanne Armstrong. She said committee members are looking at the 100% income tax credit that is given to residents who work in other communities where they must pay income tax. The committee does not have a recommendation at this time, but members would like council's input. Armstrong provided council members with some data to consider prior to the next meeting, noting that St. Clairsville seems to be the other local community where Martins Ferry residents are paying income taxes.
Mayor John Davies announced that Police Chief John McFarland has decided to make his planned retirement official as of April 7. He said Sgt. Jerry Murphy will take over as head of the department, effective April 8.
Davies also said two new businesses are expected to open in the city in 2024, though he did not name them. He believes these will generate additional income tax revenue for the community.
"2025 is projected to be the year when we will be successful again," he noted, adding that $31,000 in delinquent tax revenue was recently received.
An Ordinance Committee meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. April in Council Chambers at the City Building, and council voted to cancel its regular meeting set for April 5.