By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com

Galion city government and Julie Bell were both looking for a new start and it looks as though they have found it together.

Bell was let go as administrative assistant in the County Commissioners office in a messy separation and the transition from a charter back to a standard form of government in Galion has been no less uncomfortable.

Bell was installed as council clerk to replace the outgoing Michelle Talbot. Talbot is leaving to accept the position of 4th grade teacher with Galion City Schools, and was thanked for her dedication and the skillful execution of her duties. Bell brings with her 13 years of experience working as a clerk and administrator with the County Commissioners.

“It relieves us greatly to have someone with her skills apply for this position,” council present Don Faulds said.

The evening’s business was dominated by legislation to do the necessary restructuring and re-staffing required to fulfill the new system. Taking center stage was the discussion of staffing levels for various departments, particularly that of the utilities billing department. As part of the restructure, this department’s personnel has taken a hit, and Mayor Thomas O’Leary was in favor of adding a third administrative clerk.

“I’m suggesting it’s important to have sufficient staffing to bill accurately,” O’Leary said, and termed this third clerk as, “adequate, minimal staffing.”

There was opposition to adding this third staff member, but in the end a compromise was reached. The legislation that was passed allowed for a position without filling it. This will give the finance department the ability to assess what, if any, impact would be adding by employing another person in this capacity. It also allows the Mayor the latitude to have this position at his fingertips should the need arise and the financing is indeed available.

Also of necessity is filling the job vacated by Diana Sorrick, which will require more administrative calisthenics. Under the previous system, many of the duties were concentrated under the purview of the city manager. Now these duties must be reassigned out to various departments. This process of moving from heavy centralization to much more decentralization is going to take some time.

“It’s not easy. I never envied anybody this position,” Don Faulds said after the meeting. When asked about his new role behind the council president desk he answered, “Being just an average guy, it’s been a big eye opener.”

Faulds was upbeat about the progress though, and maintained the need to steadily work these changes and amendments through.

“An improvement.” O’Leary’s succinct answer about Tuesday’s meeting suggested optimism.

He too stressed the need to keep hammering away at these changes, and to get the right staffing levels for the departments. He spoke of the need to improve the utilities billing department. The goal is to work with people who are having difficulties making payments, and to getting them on a workable payment schedule rather than shutting them off.

“We’re going to do better,” O’Leary said. “In order to institute a program you need a staff.”