Macon Reporter

Village of Bethany Board of Trustees met Oct. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The special board meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Village President Jonathan Book. The following Trustees were present; David Doty, Jeannie Ruppert, Zakary England, Raven Allen, and Brian Gill. Trustee Greg McLain was absent.

Public – No public in attendance

Old Business - None

New Utility Employee - Village Manger talked with Justin Farris and he is interested in coming to work for the Village of Bethany. A final dollar amount per hour needs to be finalized. This will be further discussed in Executive Session.

Police Employment and Retention Contract - Chief Nichols talked with Trustee McLain, Police Committee Chair, and Chief Nichols is trying to get something set up as a sign on bonus and a retention bonus to keep an officer here in the Village. He mentioned using the funds we receive from the school district to help offset the costs of these bonuses; $5,000 sign on and then $5,000 after three (3) years. Trustee Allen mentioned some stipulations she would like to see in this contract: be in good standing and no discipline issues for example. Trustee Allen asked about an Intergovernmental Agreement for “non-compete” with the Moultrie County Sheriff's Office. Mr. Sullivan stated those are now illegal by the Federal Government. Village Attorney Patrick Sullivan looked over the agreement that was signed by the Officer who had resigned. A motion was made by Trustee Ruppert to approve a $10,000 bonus with $5,000 payable on letter of sign on or the completion of the academy, and then $5,000 payable after third anniversary and be in good standing, seconded by Trustee Doty. Mr. Sullivan will draft an agreement.

A motion was made by Trustee Allen to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Roll call taken, all ayes, motion carried.

A motion was made by Trustee Allen to enter back into Open Session, seconded by Trustee Ruppert. Voice vote taken, all ayes, motion carried.

Trustee McLain arrived during the Executive Session.

Trustee England asked the Board what the thought process was on hiring one or two persons for the Utility Dept. Several Trustees expressed their opinions concerning this topic.

A motion was made by Trustee Ruppert to offer the Utility position to Justin Farris at the rate of $31 per hour at his earliest availability, seconded by Trustee Gill. Roll call taken: Doty-yes; Ruppert-yes; England-no; McLain-yes; Allen-no; Gill-yes; motion carried.

With no other business to discuss a motion to adjourn was made by Trustee McLain and seconded by Trustee Allen. Voice vote taken, all ayes, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned.

https://www.villageofbethany.com/documents/116/Special__MINUTES_10-17-2024.pdf