(Posted Jan. 7, 2015)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Ron Garver will lead West Jefferson village council in 2015 for what he says is his last year.
The veteran councilman told his colleagues at the Jan. 5 meeting that when he was elected three years ago, it was his last term on council.
“It’s nice to go out as president,” he said, noting that he has been on council for 20 years and “12 of them as president.”
Garver also serves as chair of council’s finance committee.
A major piece of business he expects this year is a report on the possibility of building a community center. This much-talked about project came up again with the recent demolition of Galbreath Hall.
“It should be coming soon,” Garver said of the feasibility report.
Steve Johnston was re-elected as council vice president.
Council also approved the appointment of Debbie Dileo to be finance director when Jack Herrel retires at the end of the month.
Dileo has served as assistant finance director since the summer of 2012 and has also served as clerk of council.
Mayor Darlene Steele said she chose Dileo out of 27 applicants.
Councilman Cory Coburn said Dileo’s appointment should ensure “a smooth takeover in the office, one that village employees would not notice.”
Council accepted the Madison County auditor’s report on property values, tax rates and estimated tax revenue for the village for this year. The report shows a total of $100,936.380 in property value and, with the 1-mill inside millage, the village can expect $100,936.
In other routine business for the start of a new year, Ron Parsons was re-appointed as law director and J. Michael Murray as his assistant. Their fees are $125 an hour.
Steele said the village’s request for a grant for $270,200 from the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Madison Drive waterline replacement has been approved. Engineering and design work can be done early, but no contract can be awarded before July 1.
