Columbiana council approves plan to cut usage of electricity

By D.A. Wilkinson

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

COLUMBIANA

City council finally approved an ordinance to enter into an agreement with an Efficiency Smart Power Plant Schedule Gorsuch Participant with American Municipal Power Inc.

But not without controversy.

The move came after council voted Tuesday to bring out the ordinance that had been tabled by council. Council has been wrestling with whether to take part in the plan, designed to cut electric usage.

Mayor David Spatholt had to cast the deciding vote after the six council members split on the decision.

Council members Tom Ferguson, Lowell Schloneger and Pat Keylor voted in favor of the move. Councilmen Bob Bieshelt, Bryan Blakeman and James King voted against it.

At stake was what people will be spending for their electricity.

City Manager Keith A. Chamberlin said the program would help cut costs by 70 percent for residents, commercial properties and industries that take advantage of the program.

Council also went into executive session to discuss negotiations with city workers.