Tuesday, November 21st, 2006
Minimum wage increase affects expense to operate swimming pool
By Laura Walker
FORT RECOVERY - It will cost $6,000 to $8,000 more in 2007 to operate the village swimming pool, according to Village Administrator Randy Diller.
Diller said the expense increase is due to voter approval of state Issue II, which raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.85 an hour beginning Jan. 1. He explained the pool will be affected the most, with the park affected minimally.
In 2006 the village paid out $32,000 in wages and benefits to run the pool.
The village legally could pay the lifeguards under age 16 a lower amount, but they will not be doing this, Diller said. He added it doesn't make sense to have a different pay rate for someone who does the same job.
Diller said the park board will review how to meet this new wage requirement. It is not known yet if the cost of pool passes will rise.
In other business, council heard:
• The first reading of the Fort Site Street parking ordinance. If passed, this ordinance would eliminate parking in front of the wall near the historic forts and for semitrailers on Fort Site Street. The ordinance would leave four spots available for area businesses.
• Police officer applications will be accepted through Dec. 1. A position opened up when officer Jared Laux moved to the vacated chief's position.
