Council Hears from Candidate, Considers Legislation
Barnesville Village Council on April 6 heard from Belmont County Auditor Cindi Henry, who is seeking re-election, before attending to its other business that evening.
Henry, a Republican who has a background in public finance, was initially appointed to the post and completed two years of a term vacated by former auditor Roger Conroy, who died while in office, and was then elected to a full four-year term.
Henry said she is seeking another four-year term because she wants to complete some projects that are underway in the office. She cited the implementation of new software for the real estate division, using a new company that has increased revenue for dog license sales, increased consistency and a new budgetary system that is being prepared for the office.
Henry is facing two challengers on the GOP ticket – former county commissioner Josh Meyer and former Shadyside councilman Nick Ferrelli.
Following her presentation, council began to conduct its regular business, approving past meeting minutes and Fiscal Officer Jeannie Hannahs’ request to pay the pay listing in the amount of $900,398.45.
Solicitor Richard Myser then presented one resolution and two ordinances for their second readings before council. First was Resolution 4043, authorizing a complete streets and safe travel policy that is expected to make future road work projects run more smoothly. No action was taken.
Next came Ordinance 4044, establishing and implementing a program to charge mitigation rates for deployment of emergency and non-emergency services by the fire department. It would allow the department to charge for responding to calls outside its regular service area, such as along Interstate 70.
Fire Chief Bobby Froehlich addressed council about the matter.
“I just want everybody to understand that, you know, I’m not looking to charge the folks that are already paying the levies,” he said. “This is more charging the insurance companies that they’ve already paid the insurance for. And if they don’t pay it, it just goes away.”
“… I’m looking to take care of our … what we use at the scenes and be able to replenish that,” he continued.
He said the fire department currently only charges for battling a structure fire, and that fee is $500. According to the legislation, the new fees will be “customary and reasonable.” He estimated that they would generate an additional $30,000 in annual revenue.
Mayor Jake Hershberger urged council members to suspend the rules requiring three public readings of legislation and to approve the measure following its second reading. He said the village “better get this in motion” so it won’t be missing out on potential revenue.
Council took his advice, suspended the rules and voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.
Finally, council heard second reading of Ordinance 4045, which would amend Codified Ordinance 143.05 regarding emergency transportation rates by the village medical service.
Froehlich told council those rates were last adjusted in 2021 and that it is time for an update. Again, they are to be “customary and normal” rates.
Council opted to hear that measure read for a third time at its next meeting at 7 p.m. April 20.
Myser also updated council on the waterline extension project that eventually will provide service to the Hendrysburg and Fairview areas. He said two public meetings have been held and that more than 100 deeds of easement to facilitate the work have been signed.
Construction is to begin in mid-June and take about eight months to complete. It is a multi-million dollar project that he said will really benefit those communities, which do not have public water service.
Council returns to action tomorrow night at 7 p.m. for the April 20 meeting. A copy of the meeting agenda is accessible here.
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