Residents urge council to keep parks leader as council weighs superintendent pay and appropriation

Several residents spoke in support of the village parks and recreation staff and urged council to retain a key employee as council considered related ordinances.

Tony Polga commended parks and rec programming, saying the town’s playgrounds and youth sports are "way above" what would be expected for the village and urged council to keep the individual who runs Plain City programs in place. Matt Brothers, a longtime village employee, told council the community is "losing very, very valuable assets," criticized a recent council vote he said led to the staff loss and said the parks leader’s hours and volunteer contributions had been "selfless." "It's your fault here, guys," Brothers said, recording the frustration of supporters in the gallery.

The finance committee earlier recommended two related ordinances to the full council: Ordinance 26‑040 would create and set the pay rate for a parks and recreation superintendent (or revise the existing job description) and Ordinance 26‑041 would authorize supplemental appropriations in the general fund for that position. Council held first readings of both ordinances and members said the first reading serves to put the public on notice; the second reading will be the opportunity for fuller discussion and any vote.

Council members and staff clarified the measures are intended either to change the job description or to formally create the position with an associated pay rate; which has voting consequences under council rules was discussed during the meeting. The council did not take final action; staff and committee members were asked to be available for the next meeting when the ordinances return for a second reading and vote.