WARREN City officials continue to debate tax position

Lawmakers are considering a sliding pay scale based on education and experience.
WARREN -- City council is still at odds over job description and salary for the proposed job of tax administrator.
The group's finance committee met Tuesday, saying council will likely meet in special session later this month to consider legislation to make changes to the city's income tax department.
A committee of local businessmen was charged with mapping out job details and proposed a salary of roughly $57,000 for the full-time post.
This is too much, some lawmakers say, and proposed qualifications need to be more stringent.
Proposed requirements: The proposal says candidates should have at least a two-year degree in a related field, with a four-year degree and prior income tax experience preferred.
Council members say they may use a sliding pay scale when considering candidates with varying levels of education and experience. Current full-time treasurer Patricia Leon-Games costs the city a little more than $70,000 a year including wages, benefits and pension.
Having a part-time treasurer and administrator could cost up to $100,000 a year, officials say.
The position would take effect Jan. 2, reporting to John Taylor, who will take office as city treasurer, now a part-time post.
Changes to the income tax department are being made to ensure more aggressive collections.
Officials say the treasurer will likely handle city investments, with the administrator handling collections. Neither has a job description yet.
Disagreements: Council President Doug Franklin, John Homlitas, D-3rd, and Brendan Keating, D-5th, say the proposed salary will ensure the city gets the most qualified candidate.
Helen Rucker, D-6th, said she won't support the proposed salary. Susan Hartman, D-7th, said it should be in the $30,000 to $40,000 range.