UCO council extends chief's probation
By CYNTHIA AUKERMAN
News-Gazette reporter
In a tension-filled meeting, Union City, Ohio council members unanimously voted Monday to extend Acting Fire Chief Bobby Joe Austerman's probationary period by 90 days. Mayor Jim Nelson personally apologized to council members for over-riding their previous decision against taking Austerman off probation.
Nelson said he acted in the belief that Austerman's probationary period was six months, and since he had been acting chief for almost a year and council hadn't taken any further action, he could make the mayoral appointment. He said, "That called a political mistake of jurisdiction. There have been several mistakes like it in the past."
In the citizens time to speak, former mayor Scott Stahl said, "It's always been the mayor appoints, and the council approves. It's never been a courtesy vote, as Mayor Nelson told the newspaper."
At the September 2 meeting, council members voted 3 to 2 against taking Austerman off probation. Nelson then named Austerman as fire chief to serve at the mayor's pleasure, and he conducted a swearing-in ceremony. Later, the village attorney said Nelson's action was not allowed by state law.
Prior to the vote on Meta Sue Livingston's motion to extend the probationary period, several citizens spoke in favor of keeping Austerman as fire chief.
Dick Grimm said, "I think he's done a terrific job. If you (council members) think differently, I would like to hear your reasons." Grimm accused council members of "trying to railroad us to the Indiana side."
Several months ago, Union City, Ind. Mayor Bryan Conklin made a proposal for UCI to provide fire service to the Ohio side at an annual cost of $125,000. That proposal was made after several discussions between village and UCI officials in the aftermath of UCI having to handle more-than-normal emergency calls for UCO. Nelson first went to UCI Fire Chief Tim Crawford in March to ask for help.
Bruggeman told Grim, "It was just a proposal. Nobody is trying to do away with our fire department. But the time is coming when we are going to have to pool our resources."
Grim asked, "Why should it (a merger) benefit them?"
Bruggeman said there was no reason to believe the merger would benefit just the Indiana side. He noted that UCO's Mark Wright was supposed to be preparing a proposal, but had not done so.
After getting sidetracked on the UCO/UCI controversy, the discussion returned to Austerman's qualifications as fire chief. Richard Byers said he was confident about Austerman doing his job. He asked whether the chief's role was to physically fight fires or to coordinate them. Either way, Byer said he wasn't worried about Austerman doing his job.
Pam King, UCO ambulance director, rose to challenge the idea that the fire department is in financial trouble. She said there had been misinformation in newspaper articles about the department's finances, information that the department had brought in $180,000 while spending $250,000. She said some of the expenditures were for a whole year, while the department's income for the whole year is not in yet.
Financial officer Karen Stubbs said the figures were not misinformation and that only workman's comp was paid a year at a time. When Keen said the department had $100,000 or more in income that had been billed out but not yet paid, Stubbs said, "You can't spend projected income."
The misunderstanding about the budget process continued. Austerman said former city administrator Jim Arndt in November 2007 set up a budget of $506,000 for the fire department. Austerman said, "Now you tell me there's no money. Where is it?"
Stubbs pointed out the budget was based on estimated income. Because the fire department is 100 percent self-funded (no tax money), it can spend only what it makes.
Councilman Brad Horsley brought the discussion to a vote by pointing out the village had counted on Austerman to serve as acting chief twice. He said the financial picture is improving, and so is morale.
Horsley added, "If we get rid of Bobby, it will kill our fire department. It's a slap in his face not to give him an opportunity to be chief. He deserves the position."
Approximately 30 fire department members attended the meeting, packing the hallway and adjacent room. They vowed to return in 90 days to fight for Austerman's release from probation and appointment as permanent fire chief. After the meeting, the crowd cheered for Austerman.
