Paoli council adopts sewer backflow ordinance, updates utility pay scale and approves multiple raises

The Paoli Town Council on July 16 adopted an ordinance requiring backflow-prevention devices on sewer connections for new construction and remodeled buildings and approved a separate ordinance that revises the town’s utility pay scale.

Town Attorney Hunt Reynolds presented Ordinance 2024-12, which requires a backflow-prevention device on sewer connections for new construction and remodeled buildings; the council adopted it by a 5-0 vote on a motion by Theron Owen, seconded by Donna Dillard. Reynolds also presented Ordinance 2024-11-A, which amends the pay-scale for Utility General Labor to set starting pay at $15.00 per hour, $16.00 after a six-month introductory period, $17.00 after the first year and $18.00 after the second year. Council adopted 2024-11-A on a 5-0 vote (moved by Theron Owen, seconded by Mylea Pluris).

The council approved four retroactive pay-rate increases for utility employees on separate motions, each passing 5-0: William Keane’s rate was increased to $18.00 per hour retroactive to his two‑year anniversary on May 31, 2024; Chris Austin’s rate increased to $17.00 per hour retroactive to his one‑year anniversary on Jan. 21, 2024; Ryker Allen’s rate increased to $17.00 per hour retroactive to his one‑year anniversary on June 12, 2024; and Blake Albright’s rate increased from $16.50 to $17.50 per hour retroactive to June 12, 2024. Motions and seconds are reflected in the council minutes.

Clerk‑Treasurer Beth A. Jones presented a Clark‑Dietz closing payout for the 2024 Community Crossings program of $1,075.00, which the council approved. Jones also presented claims totaling $2,003,528.92 for the period July 3–16, 2024; the council approved the claims on a Mylea Pluris motion, seconded by Theron Owen.

Mitchell Eschweiler of Baker Tilly presented three‑year financial management reports for the town’s utilities and described the documents as planning guides to inform decisions on pay and capital improvements.

The meeting closed routine business items with unanimous votes on the minutes, the executive-session memorandum and the other motions recorded in the minutes. The session adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of July 2, 2024 Regular Session minutes: mover Mylea Pluris; seconder Theron Owen; vote 5-0 (Bostock, Dillard, Frazier, Pluris, Owen — all yes). - Adoption of Ordinance 2024-12 (backflow prevention requirement): mover Theron Owen; seconder Donna Dillard; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Adoption of Ordinance 2024-11-A (utility pay-scale amendment): mover Theron Owen; seconder Mylea Pluris; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Pay-rate increases (separate motions): Keane to $18.00/hr (retro 5-31-24); Austin to $17.00/hr (retro 1-21-24); Ryker Allen to $17.00/hr (retro 6-12-24); Blake Albright to $17.50/hr (retro 6-12-24). Each motion passed 5-0. - Clark‑Dietz payout (Community Crossings) $1,075.00: vote 5-0; approved. - Claims approval (July 3–16, 2024) total $2,003,528.92: mover Mylea Pluris; seconder Theron Owen; vote 5-0; approved.

Why it matters: The backflow-prevention ordinance imposes a new equipment requirement for future sewer connections and remodels; the pay-scale amendment and approved raises alter hourly wages and affect the town’s utility staffing costs. The claims approval moves significant payments through the town’s accounts for the reporting period.

(Reporting based on council minutes and presentations recorded in the July 16, 2024 Town of Paoli regular session.)