GRATIS — Gratis Village Council met Thursday, Dec. 1, to discuss salary for council members and new police personnel.

An ordinance was accepted which calls for the village council members to begin receiving an annual salary, paid monthly.

Council also approved a resolution incorporating an employee handbook into the Village Hiring Policy.

EMS Chief Joan Vance presented her department report and discussed the use of an incorrect thermostat and how to fix it, a generator battery replacement costing $335.20, and the countywide fire chief meeting. The countywide meeting is planned for Dec. 14.

In his report on the fire department, Fire Chief Jeff King discussed payroll adjustment and the appointment of two new personnel. Both Assistant Fire Chief Chris Allen and Fire Captain Will Harrison have been serving in acting roles. This meeting made it official and Allen was sworn in. Harrison was absent from the meeting and will be sworn in at a later date.

King also gave the police department’s report, discussed the appointment of Patrick Wilder to part-time and the Dodge Charger in need of brakes, at a cost of $650.

There will be a bicentennial committee and summer fest committee meeting at the next council meeting.

During council discussion, it was decided that council will submit an application for rehabilitation of Geeding Street Bridge under ODOT’s Municipal Bridge program.

It was decided council will reject the forfeit of a Maple Street property, due to the outstanding back taxes of $18,675 and court costs.

The next council meeting will be held on Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at Gratis Village Municipal Building.