Athens City Council met on Monday to discuss two ordinances concerning the fire station and the possibility of becoming sister cities with Ostroh, Ukraine.
Council discussed an ordinance amending the Athens Fire Department's 2023 staffing levels. According to a previous Post report, the fire department received a grant to fund 2 1/2 firefighters for two years, and Council must amend its staffing levels to incorporate those new firefighters.
Councilmember Sam Crowl, D-3rd Ward, said the amendment to the staffing levels would increase the number of positions available from 15 to 18. He said this gives the city the opportunity to have more firefighters trained and on hand in case of emergency.
The ordinance was approved.
Council also discussed an ordinance that would increase the fire chief’s compensation starting on July 5. The ordinance would increase the annual rate of the fire chief from $98,500 to $102,980.80.
The body passed a one-reading resolution discussed at last week’s committee meeting detailing a cooperation agreement between the City of Athens and the municipality of Ostroh in Ukraine.
According to a previous Post report, the agreement between Athens and Ostroh obligates the cities to work together on projects, share ideas and hold events. It also includes the development of friendly relations between the two cities through promoting each other in the media and helping each other during tough times.
