Follansbee City Council passes budget, selection committee formed
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FOLLANSBEE -- City Council went over a few changes in a revised 2021 budget and approved the measure Monday inside the Follansbee Community House.
The total general account budget for the year approved by council was $4,076,100.
Mayor David Velegol Jr. noted to council in the discussion that the city had talked to the governor's office about the use of C.A.R.E.S Act funding in the past year.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russel, Velegol and interim City Manager Jack McIntosh discussed how having items under the correct code in the CSSI billing and accounting software will help council keep track of the budget as the year goes on.
"It's something that is very, very necessary and very overdue," Russel said.
It was asked that council receive monthly updates on the city's finances, preferably by e-mail.
Velegol introduced a list of names that will form a selection committee in the search for a new city manager.
McIntosh has filled the role in an interim capacity since December, following the death of former city manager John DeStefano.
The city is taking applications for the position until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Velegol told council there are currently four applicants for the job.
He said, by code, he makes a nomination to council, who conducts interviews and considers the nominee.
The committee, which will consist of a total of 17 members, will be made up of Weirton City Manager Joseph DiBartolomeo, former Follansbee City Manager Kevin DiSerio, Wheeling City Manager Bob Herron, First Ward Councilman Paul Boniey, Thomas Ludewig, Scott McMahon, Scott Ewusiak, David Lyle, Twila Mezan, Nancy Deters, city attorney Michael Gaudio, Jim Mirasola, Debbie Puskarich of the Chamber of Commerce, Follansbee Police and Fire Chief Larry Rea, the Rev. Frank Haas, the Rev. Joseph Cuomo and the Rev. Jude Perera.
The committee was put together to represent those that have experience in the role, council, business leaders, the community at large and the city's religious leaders.
"I want to get input from all sectors of our community," Velegol said.
The committee, once the application period is closed, will narrow the field down to two or three finalists. Velegol noted that he can provide council with resumes from all applicants to keep the process transparent.
The mayor also complimented Saturday's Vietnam Veterans celebration.
"It was very nice for the veterans," he said. "It was well prepared by the chamber of commerce and everything went very well."
"We were very pleased with the turnout," Russel said.
Council also approved giving city employees the day off on Friday in observation of Good Friday.