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Vienna officials approve raises for city employees

Reed Morlan, 6, banged the gavel to begin the Vienna City Council meeting Thursday evening while seated next to Mayor Randy Rapp. (Photo by Candice Black)

VIENNA — Vienna City Council members approved salary increases for full and part-time city employees, the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds for a water project, the appointment of a magistrate court liaison and a $20,000 donation to the YMCA for a summer youth program during its Thursday meeting.

Effective July 1, full-time, part-time and new hire full-time employees will receive a $2 per hour salary increase.

Vienna Police Chief Mike Pifer discussed a magistrate court liaison position which would ease the judicial process. The liaison will facilitate court hearings which make it unnecessary for officers to report to court in some instances.

“Parkersburg Police Department had utilized a position like this before, it was successful before. If we had this liaison down at our court, that could help this judicial process. Generally, right now, Vienna Police Department (officers) have to appear for court hearings between eight to 20 times a week,” Pifer said. “These officers generally appear off duty and are paid overtime, it can get expensive.”

The City of Vienna was asked to contribute $11,195 toward the salary and benefits for the liaison position and it was unanimously approved by all council members.

Bryson Morlan showed Reed Morlan, 6, around the Vienna City Council chambers Thursday evening. Bryson Morlan gave the invocation and said said it’s important to go to council meetings to “know what’s happening in our town.” (Photo by Candice Black)

“I’m excited about this position. I think we’ll save money and I think the process will work better. Our voice will be heard and they’ll understand what (law enforcement) is wanting out of the case. I think it’ll be a welcome change,” Pifer said.

Todd Davis, a retired Parkersburg Police officer and Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force agent, was selected for the position and has already begun working in the court system. He said he will send officers a form for them to fill out and explain the gist of the case including what happened and what they hope will come of it.

“It gives the officer a voice in court on that day. Once I obtain those, I send it to the prosecutor’s office and they are able to see that before they send out a plea agreement,” Davis said.

In his position, Davis also has the ability to revoke bond for people who may have been released from multiple bonds, sending them back to jail.

“If the individuals are out on $300,000 bonds and they’re on six different charges, that needs to be addressed. I’ll draft letters, send them to the prosecutor’s office and ask for those bonds to be revoked and have them sent to jail,” Davis said.

Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp believes it will make a positive impact on law enforcement.

“Everyone is looking for the same goal. This is going to be great,” he said.

Pifer also proposed an ordinance to chance the city code to allow for a captain position among the police department. The first reading took place Thursday and the second will be during next month’s meeting. If approved, it will go into effect immediately.

“This is something I think will help our process,” Pifer said.

Council members also approved the allocation of $380,000 in ARPA funds for a water project proposed by the Vienna Utility Board.

“We did our bid the other day, it was initially supposed to be $500,000 but the estimate we received was $890,000. We would like to move ahead with this project, it’s probably the most important infrastructure project we have on the books,” Rapp said.

As a way to make up for the Jackson Pool closing this summer, council members voted to approve the allocation of $20,000 to the YMCA for its summer hangout program.

“I think it presents an opportunity for the city to step up and do something exciting for the kids,” Rapp said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.

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