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MILFORD -ÊDave Hobbs, Milford town marshal, will be compensated for time off until March 15 while he recovers from hip surgery.
At that time, the Milford town council will re-evaluate Hobbs' status.
Wednesday, Milford Town Council President John Lehman and councilman Douglas Ruch voted to approve compensating Hobbs. Councilman Bob Phillips was not present at the special noon meeting.
Under state statute, the council can grant him a leave of absence for 14 days. He will receive compensation at 100 percent of his full-time rate.
According to Lehman, the council discussed Hobbs' work status Saturday at an executive meeting. "We decided we needed to have a (public) meeting today regarding the status of Dave coming back to work," Lehman said.
Ruch said, "It's a difficult situation any way we look at it."
In June 1998, Hobbs was seriously injured when his motorcycle hit a pickup at the intersection of Armstrong Road and CR 350E near Oswego. Hobbs was off duty at the time of the accident.
During the first week of January, Hobbs had his hip replaced. His doctor said he could return to work as early as Feb. 1, but there is a list of functions he wouldn't be able to do.
"I think it would be in the town's best interest to allow him the full time to recuperate," said Ruch.
Ruch also made a second motion that Hobbs' compensation is a one-time exemption and is not policy for the town's employees. Each case should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. The motion passed.
"We want Dave to get back and we don't want to see him get hurt," Lehman said. He said by allowing Hobbs the full compensation and time off, they are protecting both the town and Hobbs.
Hobbs' compensation will begin at the end of this week. His vacation time for 2000 is not being used for his compensation. He will have used all his sick days.
Hobbs has served as Milford's marshal since June 1978. Chief Deputy Marshal Lou Mediano is acting town marshal until Hobbs returns.
The next Milford town council meeting is March 13 at 7 p.m. in the town hall. Council members are Douglas Ruch, Bob Phillips and John Lehman.
