No action taken on creation of tax post

City officials say all union contracts have been settled.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- City council did not pass legislation to create a position for tax administrator, but officials say that the position is mandated by law and that the matter will come before council again.
The legislation to create the position went before council for a third reading Monday, but no action was taken by any council members. Council members said wording in the legislation that should have been changed is what led to the inactivity by council, which had previously passed two readings of the legislation.
Mayor Arthur Magee said council will have to create the position. He said state law mandates that the position be created and filled.
President of Council John Darko said he fully intends to see the legislation before council.
"It is my opinion that we have to come back, revisit the position and come up with something that everyone can accept," he said. "By ordinance we need that position."
According to the proposed legislation, the post would be a part-time nonclassified position paying $5,000 annually. Darko said the person selected for the position would be in charge of enforcing regulations in the city's income tax ordinance.
Disputed language
Before the vote on the legislation was taken, council discussed a section of the ordinance that would call for retroactive pay back to January 2005 for the person who is hired. Members of council said they wanted that changed to be effective in 2006 before the ordinance could pass.
Magee also informed members of council that all union bargaining in the city is complete with tentative agreements reached. He said the contents of the tentative agreements will not be made public until approved by council and the unions.
"I think we came away with fair contracts that our employees can be proud of and we can too," he said.
Other action
Council also:
UPassed an ordinance to execute a contract for the service center bridge replacement project.
UPassed an ordinance authorizing the board of control to enter into a contract with Paige and Byrnes Insurance Agency of Warren for various insurance on behalf of the volunteer fire department.
UPassed an ordinance eliminating the use of averages for electricity billing.
jgoodwin@vindy.com