PEMBERVILLE – Acting Chief of Police James Darling will have the "acting" removed from his
title if he and the village can come to terms on a contract over the next few weeks.
Village Council Tuesday night unanimously agreed to enter negotiations with the Darling following a
55-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues. Darling was called into the session about 20
minutes before council returned to public session and took its action.
Mayor James Opelt recommended that negotiations commence, pointing out that Darling has been with the
village 5 1/2 years. Darling was full-time sergeant when he was appointed acting chief several weeks ago
when Chief Richard Bingham left the village for another job. Opelt said that given the financial
situation of the village, the chief will be the only full-time member of the police force. The new
sergeant will be part-time.
The mayor said having Darling as chief will save the village time and money in advertising and
interviewing for a new chief and that Darling is well-respected by other officers in the department.
Negotiating the contract will be up to the Police Committee, which will bring any deal back to council
for approval.
When Bingham left the village, council decided to wait until after the Nov. 3 election to determine how
the village would proceed with hiring a new chief. Voters turned down a .5-mill levy dedicated to police
operations, leaving the village about $55,000 less than needed to maintain the same level of coverage.
Council also:
¥ Learned leaf pickup has been extended to Dec. 4. Member Eric Campbell said most leaves have been picked
up but the extra time should make sure everyone is covered. Brush pickup will start Dec. 1.
¥ Heard the Finance Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, just before the next council meeting.
¥ Approved having village employees pick up an additional two percent of the health insurance costs
starting in 2010. Campbell was the lone dissenter.
¥ Heard the Economic Development Committee is seeking additional ideas for incentives for businesses to
locate in he community. The committee meets Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
