Uhrichsville Clay Museum flood to cost city up to $5,000
UHRICHSVILLE ‒ A water line break that flooded the Uhrichsville Clay Museum should not cost the city more than $5,000, according to Mayor Mark Haney.
The $5,000 represents the amount of the deductible on the city's insurance policy.
At Thursday's City Council meeting, Haney updated members on the damage at the clay museum caused by a flood detected on Jan. 10.
He said hardwood flooring warped and needs to be removed and refinished. Artifacts will need to be moved in preparation for the work.
The flood:Uhrichsville Clay Museum flooded after water pipe breaks
Wetlands case:City of Uhrichsville cited for solid waste dumping at Gorley Bottoms
Haney said the city will not have to pay a bill for excess water use that occurred after the pipe broke in the building at 330 N. Main St.
Councilwoman Wendy Mann questioned whether the city should remain involved with clay museum. She suggested the museum should buy the city-owned building at Third and North Main Streets where it intends to relocate.
Uhrichsville firefighter pay
In other action, council declined to consider legislation proposed by the mayor regarding part-time firefighters. One measure would increase their number from 10 to 15, and the other would increase their pay. At the bottom of the scale, a firefighter with 36 hours of training would be paid $11 an hour in the first year of employment. At the top, a firefighter/paramedic with 240 hours of training would get $15.75 per hour after a year.
The mayor said additional part-timers would alleviate the need to schedule full-time firefighters for overtime.
Council members Amy Myers and James Zucal, of council's finance committee, said legislators should not make any decisions about spending while the city does not have an auditor. She said council members did not have financial reports.
Becky Carpenter quit as auditor at the end of 2022 but remains in place as an assistant auditor who processes payroll and performs other duties in the office, Haney said.
Haney said the administration gave council members a financial report that showed increased income tax collections this year, on top of a $2.5 million carryover from 2022.
The mayor also said he will propose legislation in February to make the position of service director full-time. He said current Service Director Belle Everett plans to retire.
Haney has proposed legislation that would pay the assistant auditor $13 to $17 an hour, with rate being determined by the mayor. It will be considered first by council's ordinance committee.
Council approved an administration request to foreclose on 911 North Water St. The property will be offered at a sheriff's sale. Haney said it is repairable.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Uhrichsville Clay Museum flood to cost city up to $5,000
