Martins Ferry to Lay Off Six Street Department Workers

By LINDA L. HULL
MARTINS FERRY — The city began 2008 with a new mayor, new council members and financial shortfalls that are prompting layoffs in the Street Department.

During a council meeting Thursday, Auditor Rita Randall told members that money is in short supply when it comes to the general fund.

‘‘I finished the budget for the new year for the general fund, the Street Department, the Water Department, the Sewer Department and the Sanitation Department because these are our biggest ‘problem children.’’’ she told council.

She added that the Street Department is in serious financial trouble, while the Water and Sanitation Departments may make it through the fiscal year.

New Mayor Phil Wallace told council members he had met with American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees union representatives and determined that, due to a lack of work for streets crews at this time and a shortage of funding, the city will lay off six employees as of Feb. 3. Those to be laid off include one mechanic, one sweeper operator, one sign painter, two laborers and one truck driver.

Wallace said during a telephone interview that the layoffs won’t be permanent. The workers are expected to be called back to work sometime in April.

In other business, Wallace said that in the future when water service is shut off, it will cost $50 for the procedure; if the water is turned on again at a later time, another $50 fee will be assessed for a total of $100.

Wallace also noted that the ordinance that states each resident will be allowed four 32-gallon garbage cans will be strictly enforced. Any amount of garbage over that will be charged to the consumer. In addition, all garbage must be placed in the cans or it won’t be picked up.

The next meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 in council chambers at the city building.