GIRARD Council approves temporary budget

Two council members blocked an administrative salary cut, at least for now.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City council has reversed itself and approved a temporary three-month budget.
Lawmakers last week approved an unusual 30-day appropriation.
Councilwoman Kathleen O'Connell Sauline, D-2nd, had called for the one-month budget because of the uncertainty of city finances.
However, Sauline and city Auditor Sam Zirafi asked for a three-month measure after discussing the budget with representatives of the state auditor's office.
They said during a special council session Friday that it gives the administration and council more time to iron out a permanent appropriation.
The three-month budget calls for $933,709 in the general fund, or 25 percent of an estimated $3.72 million in general fund revenue in 2002.
Layoffs: The action came as layoffs of 23 full- and part-time city workers went into effect Friday.
The city is under a state-imposed fiscal emergency and is trying to overcome an estimated $868,000 deficit by the end of 2002.
In other business, council moved to a second reading a salary reduction for Mark Zuppo, city recreation director, from $15,000 to $7,500.
Sauline and Councilman Brian Kren, D-3rd, blocked an effort by council to suspend council rules and pass the measure.
Sauline explained that although Zuppo has volunteered to take the cut in salary, it should be considered in viewing overall cuts in the administration. Also, council approved eliminating the part-time position of legal secretary.
Members sworn in: After the meeting, municipal Judge Michael Bernard swore in city council members, including two new members: Charles Doran took the oath as 4th Ward councilman and Louis J. Adovasio as council president. Both are Democrats.
Doran defeated Daniel Moadus Jr., a Republican, in the November general election. Incumbent Thomas Grumley did not seek re-election to the 4th Ward seat, but won a chair on the board of education.
Adovasio was unopposed in November after defeating Leo Grimes in the May Democratic primary election.
Also sworn in were Grumley and Zuppo as school board members and John Martin, city treasurer.
yovich@vindy.com