By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Three staffing changes are being proposed in the city of Groveport’s 2018 budget.
The proposed changes are: addition of a part-time human resources clerk at a pay rate of between $12.71 to $20.43 per hour; addition of a full-time building maintenance technician at a pay rate of between $16.37 to $26.33 per hour; and changing the part-time property maintenance inspector-code compliance officer to full-time at a pay rate of $20.04 to $32.21 per hour.
City Finance Director Jeff Green said the maximum starting wage for new hires is the mid-point of the pay range, unless otherwise approved by Groveport City Council.
City Administrator Marsha Hall said the part-time human resources clerk will assist with clerical tasks, which will free up the human resources director to focus more on employee development, managing benefits and compensation plans, and administering safety and drug free workplace programs. Hall noted that, during peak seasons, the city has more than 250 employees.
Hall said the full time building maintenance technician will assist the two other employees and the director in the facilities maintenance department in handling maintenance and repair duties for the city’s numerous buildings.
“As the age of our buildings progress, we are seeing more repair and replacement needs of the buildings and equipment,” said Hall.
Upgrading the part-time property maintenance inspector-code compliance officer to full-time expands the duties of the job to include investigations and inspections of city codes of zoning, signage, land use, nuisance housing, health and safety, blight, etc., according to Hall. She said it also allows the inspector to attend homeowner association meetings and handle special projects.
Council will vote on the 2018 city budget at its Nov. 13 meeting.
Health services contract
Council approved contracting with the District Advisory Council of the Franklin County General Health District for health services in 2018 at a cost of $46,682, which is a 5 percent increase over 2017’s contract.
The health services, which are required by the Ohio Revised Code, include analysis and prevention of communicable diseases, analysis and appropriate treatment for the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, administration and management of the local health department, access to primary health care by medically underserved individuals, environmental health management programs, health promotion services to encourage wellness, plumbing for commercial, public and residential buildings, rabies control, inspection and operation for prevention of nuisances.
“By law, we would have to have our own health department (if the city did not contract with the county),” said Hall. “We could have our own health department, but that would not be economical.”
Hendron Road re-opens
Hendron Road has re-opened as the $2.2 million reconstruction project is nearly completed. The project included a new road, storm sewers, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and a 12 inch water line. Streetlights will be in place soon.
“Hendron Road looks really nice,” said Councilman Shawn Cleary.
“It really adds to the city,” added Councilwoman Becky Hutson. “I’ve seen a ton of people using the new sidewalks already.”
Haunted Blacklick Park a success
The Groveport Blacklick Haunted Park, held in the city’s Blacklick Park on Oct. 20-21, was a success according to city officials.
Councilman Scott Lockett congratulated citizens Bruce Smith, Scott Clinger, and Larry Geis – who created the haunted park – for their work.
“They really stepped up,” said Lockett.
Hall said the event raised a little over $3,000 for Groveport Madison Human Needs and the Groveport Food Pantry. She said 550 tickets were sold for the event.
Income tax revenue
As of September, this year the city has received $13.1 million in income tax revenue, which is up 19.3 percent from this same time in 2016.
