Massillon City Council pushes mayor, auditor pay raise decision to June 6

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·2 min read

Massillon City Council

Monday meeting

KEY ACTION: Postponed consideration of an ordinance to June 6 that would increase the salary for the mayor from $70,487 annually to $90,000, beginning in January 2024.

More: City Council proposal aims to hike Massillon mayor's salary to $90,000 annually

The delay was made to allow City Council more time to discuss the issue.

The next Massillon mayoral election is set for Nov. 7, 2023. Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry has said she is running for re-election. Any pay increase would take effect following that contest.

Massillon City Council meets next on May 31 for a work session.
Massillon City Council meets next on May 31 for a work session.

The proposal also would increase the auditor's annual pay from $57,000 a year to $77,000 starting in 2024. The office is currently occupied by Auditor Jayne Ferrero.

Ferrero said she is not running for re-election in November 2023.

OTHER ACTION: Voted to postpone an ordinance to June 6 that would authorize a $500,000 pass-through grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to help fund a memorial splash pad at the north section of Reservoir Park.

The overall cost of the project is estimated at $1.6 million.

DISCUSSION: The request to delay was made so the mayor's office can continue discussions with state legislators about possibly relocating the splash pad to another city park or area. Language in state legislation would need to be amended to allow for any change in name or location.

It was the second postponement made by council this month on the issue.

Council also:

  • Defeated a proposal 8-1 that would have triggered a pay increase for Police Department captains and supervisors.

  • Passed legislation 6-3 that authorizes a zoning change for four parcels from multiple-family residential to general business, accommodating a plan to build a Starbucks coffee shop along Lincoln Way E in the area of the former Kmart site.

UP NEXT: Meets at 6:30 p.m. May 31 for a work session at the Massillon Government & Justice Center, 1 James Duncan Plaza SE.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon City Council delays mayor auditor pay raise vote June 6