Meeting Minutes: December 27, 2011

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present: Steve Gehle, Gene Steiner, Greg Pontsler,
Ron Searight, Chris Heitkamp. Gary Hodge – absent.

Also attending: Jeff Long, Judy Koesters, Sergeant Stetler, and Amy Kronenberger of the Daily Standard.

* Motion to suspend rules to pass budget as an emergency
Motion: Gehle. Second Pontsler. Steiner called for the question. Gehle =y,

Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.

• ORDINANCE 04-11

AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Motion: Gehle. Second Pontsler –

Searight stated that he would compromise on the budget saying if the police budget was restored he would agree with the rest of the budget.

Much discussion regarding looking at avenues to save money where we can. Gehle mentioned that we were to cut the police budget in years past but have never done so.

As the new year begins we all need to look for ways to save money. This budget affects many people as a group on council and 1,000+ people in our community.

Pontsler stated that the raises we gave last year amounted to approximately $7,000. He reminded council that he voted ‘no’ on the raises.

Discussion about whether to keep a finance committee next year. Everyone agreed that finance needs to be discussed and reviewed once a month to keep everyone involved. Council rules of order may need reviewing.

Mayor states that if additional funds are needed at the end of next year we will need to do a supplemental appropriation.

With discussions coming to a stand point – Steiner called for the question.

Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = N, Heitkamp = N. Passed 3 yes 2 no.

Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.