MIDDLEPORT — Middleport Village Council took action at its Monday night meeting to grant salary increases to Middleport police officers effective the first pay period in March.

The action was taken following a request made by Officer C. Pitchford on behalf of the police force. He said that wages are not now competitive with other agencies and described it as “the lowest paid agency in our region.” He talked about the accomplishments of the department, the quality of the force, and the dedication of the officers.

Pitchford presented a proposal for increases to be given which will be evaluated by Council between now and March when the increases will go into effect. A financial report was given by Jail Administer Mony Wood who noted that in September the operation brought in $20,400 which took the total since opening in March to $112,352.98. The jail has held prisoners for Meigs County, Pomeroy, Oak Hill, Gallia, Jackson and Gallipolis since opening contributing to village revenue.

Susan Baker, financial officer, talked about the additional revenue produced through the jail operation and the anticipated funding expected from the impound lot once it gets finished. Following a report from Mike Hendrickson, building inspector, on costs involved in fencing in the impound lot, Council approved expenditures for fencing, gates, and screening so the project approved some time ago can move forward.

A resident of the Syramore and Laurel Street area spoke at the meeting about the speed of a Meigs Local school bus when it moves through the village to pick up students. Council member Penny Burge agreed with the resident and confirmed the dangers being imposed by the driver which included not only danger to students but to parked cars and other property.

The resident also mentioned the inconsistency in pickup times and the fact that the driver was getting the students to their respective school earlier than they needed to be there. The resident also said that he had been in touch with the transportation director and with the school district superintendent to no avail. With that village council and the police officers at the meeting decided for better surveillance of the bus operation in the village.

Council members at the meeting were Rae Moore, Sandy Brown, Craig Wehrung, Penny Burge and Emerson Heighton. Roger Manley was out of town.