Templeton says general fund has increased over past three years

CHESAPEAKE — Chesapeake’s village council moved forward on plans to create a position of fiscal officer.

It was a second reading on the matter and the council voted 5-1 in favor of it, with member Danny Burd opposing.

The position of secretary-treasurer is currently an elected one, which was held by Peggy Houston until her retirement in December 2017. Christine Nichols was appointed as her successor.

Mayor Tommy Templeton has pointed out that other villages have made the fiscal officer an appointed position.

One resident asked why the decision was made, and felt voters should make the decision.

Council member Kenny Wolfe said it is to ensure that a qualified person took the role, noting that there was one person who was elected and gave up the job shortly after taking office.

“There are very, very few people who can do this job,” Templeton said.

The matter must be voted on a third time at December’s meeting of council.

In another matter, Templeton also informed the council that the village’s general fund was now at $90,000, which he pointed out was a significant increase from the approximately $7,000 when he began as mayor three years ago.

In other business, the council:

• Heard from the police department. Templeton read the report from interim chief Randy Thompson who was not present.

He said one officer had resigned, with a replacement already sworn in. The council also agreed to hire a part-time officer.

The mayor said TASER training is set for the department on Nov. 12, and that officers had made 12 drug arrests in the past month.

• Voted to accept rates as determined by the Ohio Budget Commission. Templeton said the village’s budget had been sent to the county auditor’s office for review and had been returned for approval.

• Heard from the fire department, who had responded to seven calls in the village, including wrecks and to inspect a gas leak. The department has received five applications for members and the council voted to pay a $800 FEMA origination fee for airpack grants.