Scio council debates employee pay structure, reviews opioid settlement funds

Village council members spent much of their first September meeting discussing how to restructure pay for water-licensed employees so it qualifies as earnable salary under the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.

The debate centered on the legality and practicality of flat-rate pay, particularly how it affects overtime and taxes. Options included raising hourly wages by $5 or incorporating the pay into base salaries. Council authorized Village Solicitor Jack Felgenhauer to draft an ordinance formalizing the pay structure to ensure compliance.

Felgenhauer also updated council on the Purdue opioid settlement. Scio’s share amounts to just 0.0002% of the total settlement, and funds may only be used for treatment programs or education. He noted the village would need additional resources and staff to implement such initiatives, and the funds may be taxable. Mayor James Clark asked council to review the information and tabled the matter until the next meeting, with a Sept. 30 deadline looming.

Clark also discussed possible funding opportunities through the mayor’s Partnership for Progress to restore items cut from the original ACG Grant award. The AMLER Grant was approved, and a cost assessment meeting with Omega and MS Consultants is planned. Because costs came in lower than expected, some elements — such as restrooms — may be reinstated.

Council also addressed changes in clerk roles. A few years ago, the elected clerk-treasurer handled duties as water clerk and income tax administrator. With the position eliminated, those responsibilities are being redistributed. Current official Janeen Scott will revert to her original title, while the $480 monthly stipend once given to the clerk-treasurer is being considered for reallocation among water, wastewater, IT, Scott and Fiscal Officer Renea Riesen.