Councilman appointed to water board
By ANGELINA DICKSON, Staff writerWard 1 Councilman Ron Jones was appointed to the Weirton Area Water Board during Monday's meeting of Weirton City Council.
Water Board member Dale Moore's term was up and council stated that they had previously talked about wanting council representation on the board. Jones is also an employee of the Water Department.
The appointment was approved by a 4-2 vote, with Jones abstaining from voting.
Mayor Mark Harris received a letter in February from the West Virginia Ethics Commission regarding whether or not Jones could be appointed to the position because of his position as a councilman and an employee of the Water Board.
Ethics Commission Executive Director Theresa Kirk stated that the Water Board is a separate board and "Under the Ethics Act, there is no explicit prohibition against a person serving on a municipal water board and also being employed by the water board."
Kirk did state in the letter that there are certain limitations to ensure the Ethics Act is not violated. She stated Jones would need to perform his official functions for his position on council and the water board on his own time, not public work hours. She also stated that she would encourage him to keep records of his work time in the event of questions arising.
"He may not vote on matters which affect him directly as an employee as opposed to affecting him equally as a member of a class of five or more employees," the letter stated.
She also suggested to Harris that other board members co-sign checks and keep track of funds, as a way of keeping a checks and balances system.
Some on council stated they were not in favor of the appointment.
"I'm not OK with this because as a city employee and council he gets paid by the city and now if he serves on the Water Board, he will be paid for serving on a third entity," said Ward 4 Councilman George Ash.
Ward 5 Councilman George Kondik stated that he thinks there is no one else who knows Weirton city water better and no one else on council more qualified for the position, but stated he thinks he should not be paid for serving on the board.
Harris said that would not be possible and that anyone sitting on the board must be paid for doing so.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
