Executive committee tables ordinance on wage and conditions for income tax clerk after union concerns

The Amherst Executive Committee on March 17 voted 6–1 to table Ordinance A-25-02, an ordinance to set the wage rate, benefits and conditions of employment for an income tax office clerk. Committee members cited outstanding concerns from the union about the proposed pay level and the job’s relationship to existing part-time positions.

“Mister Ramsey, would you care to speak on this?” the committee chair asked as the ordinance was introduced. Ramsey, an administration official who presented the background, said the ordinance would “define the terms and conditions” for a clerk codified under the city code and that the change was aimed at filling work this tax season.

Ramsey said the measure was intended in part to allow the recently retired income tax secretary, Laura Kemp, to return part time for the season and to provide a short-term solution while permanent staffing is arranged. “I was gonna recommend a couple of things. Number 1, that it just be for a 1 year term, and I think that could be made by amendment,” Ramsey said, adding he had been working on the matter since last summer.

Council members raised several concerns in the discussion. Council member Wernarski pointed out the proposed hourly rate for the clerk was “twice that of the current part time person,” and questioned why a part-time role would be written to receive union-style negotiated increases while not paying union dues.

Mayor (referred to in discussion as “the mayor”) confirmed the wage structure mirrored language used for other non‑bargaining positions and said nonunion roles are sometimes written to receive cost-of-living adjustments similar to union averages. Council member Janek moved to table the ordinance until the union provided a suggested acceptable starting rate; Council member Dimitsky seconded. The motion to table carried 6–1.

Committee members also discussed hiring and advertising history for the income tax secretary position, transitional training positions created last year, and potential nepotism review for a proposed internal staffing plan; Ramsey said any proposed hire involving a relative would be submitted to Ohio ethics for review.

Actions and next steps: Ordinance A-25-02 was tabled so council and administration can confer with the union and provide additional details, including the job description (Exhibit A) and a recommended wage figure. The committee recorded one dissenting vote.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to table Ordinance A-25-02 pending union input on acceptable wage: Moved by Council member Janek; seconded by Council member Dimitsky. Vote: 6–1; motion passed.