LEETONIA–Several personnel matters were discussed and approved for the police department in the village council meeting Wednesday.
The meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of long-serving Police Dispatcher Becky Shearer, who passed on Tuesday. Shearer served the department and village for over 27 years.
The department also saw the resignation of Seargeant Randy Schneider effective Aug. 11, and the hire of current part-time officer Alyssa Hildebrand as a full-time officer at a rate of $18 per hour effective Monday approved by council.
Discussion of department personnel continued as Police Chief Allen Haueter announced that Officer Eric Ritz had returned from his military service in Syria and was expected to return to duty with the department Sept. 14, and be moved to full-time upon his return. Councilman Richard Newton suggested council consider the hire of an additional full-time officers following Ritz’s return. An addition to the roster would allow the department to have full 24/7 coverage again, and even allow for two officers to be on call during peak policing hours at times. Newton also argued that during severe incidents the ability to have a second officer from the village available, and not have to wait for support from a Columbiana officer, would prove massively helpful.
“I know people think that we’re not that busy, but it does get busy, and it does get dangerous even in our little town. There are certain crimes that go on that are heat of the moment and in process, and having a second person there is really helpful, and not having to wait for someone to come from Columbiana and hope they’re not tied up on something would make a big difference,” said Newton.
The estimated annual cost of adding such a position would be approximately $45,000-47,000. Council ultimately said they were not in opposition to further exploring the potential hire should they find the right candidate.
Other personnel items included the approval of the hire of Gavin Rambo as a part-time zoning officer trainee at a rate of $20 an hour until a new, permanent zoning officer could be hired. Siembida said that the village had received several applications thus far and was still actively accepting applications. Rambo will continue to take calls and file zoning complaints as necessary to ensure the village remained up to date with zoning matters while the hiring process was conducted.
The village’s income tax growth was discussed. Fiscal Officer Nick Mistovich said that thus far this year the village had collected $841,406 in income tax, and was on track to collect $1,250,000 –a significant increase from the $942,684 collected last year. Mistovich said this increase was likely responsible for the approximately $55,000 of monthly revenue in excess of its monthly expenditures thus far this year. Mistovich estimated that should that trend continue the general fund would see an annual increase of nearly $660,000.
“When we say things are going good in Leetonia, it’s because they actually are, and a lot of that is from income tax,” said Mistovich.
Mistovich believes this financial prosperity is being driven by the village’s partnership with RITA and the expansion of the industrial park. With particular emphasis on the tax revenue provided by the businesses at the industrial park, which comprise five of the village’s 10 largest annual tax accounts in 2023. Revenue from Pennex Aluminum, ($294,020.51) and Haltec, ($91,226.77), respectively represent 35%, and 11% of tax revenue collected –a staggering combined total of a 46% of income tax revenue collected in 2023. Additionally, Pennex represents a full 25% of all water used in the village, in this year at approximately 5,682,506 gallons.
Village council will meet next 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox