GIRARD — After Mayor James Melfi vetoed a council-approved pay rise for the mayor’s job, the council plans to bring the issue back on the agenda on Nov. 28 with plans to cancel the veto.
Fourth Ward Councilman Thomas Grumley at Monday’s meeting asked that the ordinance be put back on the agenda for the council to override Melfi’s veto.
General Counsel Brian Kren said the board had 10 days after Melfi’s veto, which took place; and the board will need two-thirds or at least five or more of the seven votes to override the veto.
Melfi, who recently announced his re-election bid, said he would veto the mayor’s salary increase approved on Oct. 24.
The increase was part of several councils approved for city positions, including legal director and auditor, both effective January 2024, and council clerk and sergeant-at-arms, both in effect. effective in December.
Melfi said he was aware of what the board planned to do, but said he was upholding his veto.
The mayor’s salary would increase from $52,997 to $58,997; auditor from $47,251 to $53,251 with benefits; and general counsel from $42,426 to $48,426 without benefits, or $41,331 with benefits. All three are elective positions.
The position of part-time Council Clerk would increase from $6,200 to $6,850 and that of part-time Sergeant-at-Arms from $30 to $45 per meeting. Since these are appointed positions, their increases would come into effect this year.
In other matters, the council gave the final reading to impose a five-year £0.5million leisure tax in the May 2023 primary ballot.
Kren said the tax would generate funds needed for day-to-day park operations and other recreational purposes. He said the county auditor will determine the exact amount the levy will generate.
Kren said current funding for parks and recreation is insufficient.
The town also has a gymnasium at the municipal building which is undergoing updates and renovations, including new flooring. The project is expected to be completed in early 2023.
Additionally, the board approved an ordinance changing where income tax collections will be distributed for 2022.
Tax revenues will be placed 97% in the general fund and 3% in the garbage fund starting October 1. Previously, 80% was in the general fund and 17% in other funds, including 3% in garbage funds.
Councilman John Moliterno, chairman of the finance committee, said a finance meeting would be held at 6.30pm on November 28 to review the status of funds in the various funds and income tax totals. until 2023.
Additionally, Melfi announced that the annual Christmas tree lighting and other holiday activities will take place at 5 p.m. on December 3 at the Municipal Building. Various vendors and other organizations will participate.
