By Megan Alley
Sun staff
The New Richmond Village Council voted on Sept. 22 to increase wages for part-time employees of the New Richmond Fire and Emergency Services Department.
“[Fire and EMS Chief Vince Bee] believes this change is necessary to make the department more competitive with other departments in hiring part-time employees,” said Richard Hilt, councilman and chair of the Personnel, Finance and Safety committee.
The total cost of the increase is about $12,000, which will come from the department’s budget.
“This is feasible since the chief has $50,000 in appropriations to build an equipment shelter behind the fire station, which he now feels can be done for much less than originally thought,” Hilt said.
The council voted unanimously to approve the increase, effective immediately.
The council also approved the purchase of three automatic defibrillator units for the department, which will cost $1,500. This is $300 less than originally expected.
“Thank you to the council for all the support you’ve been giving, especially tonight,” Bee said.
Also during the Sept. 22 council meeting, Lee Ann Watson, a representative from the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, presented on the MHRB’s campaign for this November’s election, when voters will decide whether or not to renew a 0.5 mil levy, with a .25 mil increase, for the MHRB.
New Richmond’s Kick-off to Red Ribbon Week event will take place Oct. 24 at the Susana Way bandstand. The event will tentatively run from 3-8 p.m.
Recently, the Clermont County Board of Health put up two signs on the spud poles at the Augusta Street boat launch warning against toxic algae present in the river. Young people, the elderly and those who are immune compromised are recommended to avoid direct contact with the water.