Struthers council pay cuts validated

Council members and the mayor weren’t sure if the motion was a valid way to reduce the salaries.

STAFF REPORT

STRUTHERS — The city council can take a pay cut without any other action than a motion that was passed last week, the city’s law director says.

Council voted unanimously to reduce members’ $8,500 stipend by $500 and the council president’s $8,400 by $400, but several questioned whether the motion was proper procedure.

Mayor Terry Stocker said he thought legislation to amend the city’s salary ordinance should have been prepared ahead of time.

Robert Stouffer, who seconded the motion made by Dan Yemma and is head of council’s legislative and finance committee, said he wasn’t sure either if proper procedure was followed.

Council members wanted an answer before the end of the year. Once new terms begin, salaries can’t be changed.

Council member Robert Burnside asked law director Carol Clemente Wagner for a written opinion, and she said Wednesday she would provide one.

Clemente Wagner said the motion, voted on under new business at the Dec. 23 council meeting, is valid.

She said that when the minutes are certified, the vote will be effective.

Yemma said he made the motion to help the city save money.