WELLMAN

Area municipalities typically approve yearly contracts with the Washington County Sherrif’s Office earlier than mid-May for the next fiscal year, but “we did have a union contract that took a little bit longer to get done,” County Sheriff Jared Schneider said Monday night at the Wellman City Council meeting, and thus cities are approving contracts now. The Wellman council approved a $158,187 law enforcement contract that will begin July 1.

“It’s nice knowing that there’s more coverage in the northern end of the county here,” Mayor Ryan Miller said. “I think it was a good move, all three northern cities working together to help get that done.”

Contract amounts have been increasing yearly as the Sherrif’s Office increased the number of deputies to provide that coverage; Schneider noted that “this is our last year in that hiring plan that we put together in FY21,” so contract costs should level out going forward.

City Administrator Kelly Litwiller noted at the May 19 meeting that the splash pad at North Park is expected to open for the season this weekend, and that on Saturday night fireworks will be tested from various locations in preparation for the July 4 display.

Council Action

The council approved a loan and disbursement agreement for $2.7 million in water revenue bonds, which will fund connection to rural water and water main replacement where needed.

The council set a public hearing for June 2 at 5:30 p.m. regarding proposed changes to the fence and hedge ordinance, which would remove neighbor approval for fences placed on property lines.

The council approved a 5-year sewer maintenance contract with CIT Sewer Solutions at $25,000/year.

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, June 2 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.