"It isn't the money, it is the idea"

I have been attending meetings more frequently and see the time and effort put in by Council. I must admit, I have a new respect for them.  Their raises are well earned, the work is evident. We do need to chip away at seemingly small amounts of money spent because it does tend to escalate.

                                                     

At Monday’s meeting it was discussed that Mr. Ebert's base rate is $175/hr; paralegal work is billed at $100/hr.  Because Mr. Ebert spends more than 30 hours a week, the City may have to offer him health care.  Add to that an employee of his law firm spends 4 hours a week as an HR consultant for Bay Village, an arrangement that will eventually be formalized.                                                                                           

Is it fair for the residents to scrutinize this situation?   An issue taken in stride or as a matter of fact by Council confounds the citizens.  Sometimes there is difficulty believing there is no alternative. As Councilman Tadych said in a June meeting when Council raises were discussed, ‘it isn’t the money it is the idea’. In some cases it is both.