GIRARD Panel asks for value of water, sewer utilities

The mayor wants to maintain the city-operated ambulance service.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The city's fiscal oversight commission wants the city to get an appraisal of what the water distribution and sewer systems would bring in if sold.
"At least we would know what the value is," Atty. John Masternick, a member of Girard Financial Planning and Supervision Commission, told fellow members Tuesday.
The appointed commission is overseeing the city's financial situation because it's in fiscal emergency.
In August 2002, Consumers Ohio Water Co. proposed purchasing the two systems for $8 million.
The purchase of Girard Lakes from COWC in 1995 is one of the reasons the city has been under a state-imposed fiscal emergency since August 2001, according to the state auditor.
The city administration doesn't know the value of the two systems, or whether $8 million is a good price.
About the plan
Under Masternick's proposal, city council would actually seek the appraisal. He was supported by commission members John Anderson; Mayor James J. Melfi; Councilman Joseph Lambert, D-at-large; and Joe Gray, chairman.
City Auditor Sam Zirafi said the cost of any appraisal would be paid from the water and sewer funds.
The city has received an appraisal of the Girard Lakes.
During the meeting, Melfi said his administration intends to retain the city-operated ambulance service and hire a police officer for the schools.
"We feel it's extremely beneficial to our community," Melfi said of the ambulance operated by the fire department at a cost of about $600,000 annually.
The mayor said he believes a police officer in the schools is needed in contemporary society. The officer was pulled out of the schools as manpower decreased in the police department.
Police have asserted that drugs are a problem in the high school.
Melfi said both recommendations will be included in the city financial plan, which will be prepared in mid-summer.
Questioning balance
Melfi also used the meeting to question why municipal Judge Michael A. Bernard keeps a $424,000 balance in three court funds.
"We struggle to maintain balances," Melfi said, suggesting the city may have a legal right to the money.
"If it sounds envious, maybe it is," the mayor asserted. "It's something we have to look at."
Judge Bernard could not be reached to comment.
Masternick pointed out that Judge Bernard has given the city about $250,000 to help balance the city's budget this year.
Gray cautioned Melfi that the court's expenses are equal to its income to the city. "Neutral is not bad for the city," he added.
yovich@vindy.com