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MILFORD - An injury can keep someone from working for days or even weeks.
For Dave Hobbs, Milford town marshal, injuries sustained in a June 20th accident kept him from working for 17 weeks. Hobbs collided with a truck while riding his motorcycle.
Since the accident, Louis Mediano is acting marshal for Milford. Refugio Ramirez was hired as an additional full-time officer.
"He (Ramirez) knew he was hired temporarily. He has to be given 30 days notice," Milford clerk-treasurer Charlotte Siegfried said.
To keep Ramirez on while Hobbs continues with rehabilitation, the Milford town council approved transferring $7,800 from the police budget to the general fund for additional wage compensation created by the circumstances. The money transferred comes from confiscated drug raid money that can be used for police matters.
The council also discussed Hobbs' insurance status and hours. Hobbs cannot be carried on the town's insurance if he does not work at least 30 hours per week.
"At least between now and the next council meeting I'd like to see him get 30 hours a week in," councilman Douglas Ruch said.
"I guess, in regards to the appointments, until we get a full release from Dave, I'd like Lou to remain as marshal," Ruch said.
Hobbs is currently making a marshall's salary. Mediano is drawing his regular salary and will get a bonus at the end of his acting marshal duty. Hobbs has been able to use his vacation, compensation time, leave and sick time he's accumulated over the last 20 years to avoid taking any time off. Hobbs is currently performing light work in the town marshal's department, such as scheduling, lock-outs and filing.
"Dave's been here a long time and he's been good for the town of Milford," councilman Donald Wolferman said.
"We either dump him or we pay him and there's so much there," councilman Robert J. Beer II said. "People don't understand that."
Wolferman said, "He needs a release to tell us what he can do."
When asked if there was any community pressure about making a decision regarding Hobbs, Ruch said, "People are supportive of Dave and this down time."
The council discussed whether a salary ordinance had to be made to make the transfer or if it could be done with a simple motion. Since the council meeting is the last one for 1998, Ruch made a motion to approve the transfer of funds.
"Being this close to the end of the year, I will make a motion to transfer that money from police confiscation to salary," Ruch said.
It was unanimously approved.
The council also approved two ordinances, one encumbering money that has already been appropriated but bills for the purchases have not yet arrived, and Ordinance 98-12, covering remaining salaries throughout the year.
The next Milford town council meeting is Jan. 11.
