Perrysburg to create public utilities dept.

Perrysburg City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to create a public utilities department.

To run the new department, the city plans to hire a public utilities director, who will be paid an annual salary of up to $95,263, to be in charge of the water, sanitary, and storm-water operations and city infrastructure currently under the umbrella of the public service department.

During a discussion last week, city officials said the new department would save money by consolidating equipment, building, and staff because the water distribution and the sewage and storm-water collection divisions will merge.

The council approved the public utilities department Tuesday without much discussion. Council member Maria Ermie was not present and did not vote.