Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - With the hiring of Rich Walls as electric superintendent, the town is once again fully staffed.
Walls replaces David Fritzel, who resigned his position without notice in October. The council voted unanimously during a special meeting Thursday to hire Walls, who previously worked for the town and holds necessary certifications and training for the job. He will be paid $30,000 per year and will begin work with the town Nov. 26.
In a related matter, the town named Barry Baker town superintendent and the new title carries a supervisory capacity, with Walls required to report to Baker on a daily basis and Baker overseeing the daily operations of the town.
Baker's salary was increased from $34,000 annually to $36,000, effective immediately. A new salary ordinance is expected to be adopted at the regular meeting Tuesday.
Prior to that meeting, town council members will meet at 6 p.m. with Mark Sullivan of Commonwealth Engineering to discuss ongoing negotiations for payment of the contract with HRP Construction. There have been several disagreements between the town and the contractor as a result of the wastewater project running past its completion date.
Jeff Klinefelter was voted vice president of the council. The position was previously held by Ruben "R.B." Conley, who ended his tenure with the council Oct. 31, prior to the end of his term. Former council member Andy Cook was appointed by Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Gavin to finish Conley's term.
Klinefelter, Cook and council president Eileen Hall were all in attendance at the special meeting.
