MCDONALD Village workers' pay increase will vary, councilman says

Police Chief Alan DeLuga has proposed pay raises of 4 percent to 6 percent.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
McDONALD -- Village employees will receive pay raises next year, but the exact amount is up in the air.
Mayor James Border told police officers Wednesday during a village council finance committee meeting that he is looking to raise wages.
"We're trying to fight for our livehihood," Police Chief Alan DeLuga told lawmakers, noting police wages are nearly the lowest in the county.
DeLuga also noted the village does not pay the employees' share into their pension plan, unlike Brookfield, Champion, Cortland and Weathersfield and Howland townships.
Employees are at the mercy of council and the administration because state law prohibits employee contracts in villages.
DeLuga presented to council three proposals for wage increases ranging from 4 percent to 6 percent for 2002.
Councilman Thomas Hannon, chairman of the finance committee, said he hadn't had time to look at the proposals.
"I'm not trying to shun you guys," Hannon told current and former police officers, noting there will be raises effective Jan. 1.
Hannon did point out the village's first-half tax receipts are down $60,000 compared with last year.
Stating complaints: Before the council meeting, Detective William Woodley, vice president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 194, gave council a letter. In it, he pointed out the village administrator received a 14-percent wage increase.
Woodley wrote that an unidentified councilman has said employees should not expect pay raises after taking a job.
Councilman Thomas Hart countered that he was offended by Woodley's letter, pointing out that he has never denied pay raises, although the amounts have varied.
Rather than trying to settle the question with police officers, Hannon called for a meeting at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 27 at the municipal building when city finances can be discussed with police and other village workers.
System upgrades: In other business, council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and council clerk to contract with the state auditor's office for computer upgrades. The system will cost about $3,000.
Council also agreed to pay $22,302 for a wood chipper. It will be purchased from Franklin Tractor Sales of Columbus through the state cooperative purchasing program.
Also, lawmakers agreed to pay Boccia Construction and Demolition Co. of Niles $13,000 to raze the former Paradise Lounge building, 50 E. Marshall Road.
The property is owned by the village and has been characterized as an eyesore.