In a special session, Chillicothe Council moved ahead on the pool and firefighter contracts.
Mayor Jack Everson asked council to ratify the negotiations with city firefighters. He said their agreement is different from the recently ratified deal with the police union - but about equal.
He added that not needing to go to arbitration not only saved money, but was a sign of good negotiations.
hear Mayor Jack Everson on agreement with city firefighters union
After Pat Patrick was satisfied that the budget could handle it, council approved $38,000 to put to the city pool back into action.
Tom Trutschel said most of the costs were needed for basic maintenance, whether it's used or not...but the Mayor said the way fund raising looks, there will be enough money to operate it.
Part of the cost is for a new handicap accessibility dictate from the federal government, mandating an American Disabilities Act (ADA) lift chair. But those can't be produced fast enough, so the government extended the deadline to September.
Tom Trutschel said the funds to re-invest into the pool are justified by two reasons: none of the money is coming out of the general fund, and the city pool keeps kids away from the dangers of swimming in the Scioto River.
A "Fill the Pool 2012" fund raiser will be 5pm-8pm Thursday, May 17th at the Pump House, with food, beverages, and a live band.
hear Tom Trutschel on pool maintenance funding
Council also discussed when to have a review session on the budget: before the next regular session, or the Monday after...before agreeing on 6:30 next Monday.
Council also briefly went into executive session to discuss "pending litigation."
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils
