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.

First Published March 7, 2012, 6:40 a.m.