Perrysburg Public Service Director Jon Eckel retires, rehired under new policy

Perrysburg Public Service Director Jon Eckel.

The public hearing on Perrysburg Public Service Director Jon Eckel's retirement was quick Tuesday, lasting only a few seconds, without any public outcry -- as quiet as the ensuing hearing about his rehiring.

"This is our free shot at Jon," teased Councilman Thomas Mackin during the brief hearing.

"You've had 36 years," Mr. Eckel shot back playfully.

The public hearing, required by state law, was the final step for Mr. Eckel to become Perrysburg's first city employee to retire and then get rehired at a lower rate under a new policy established this year by Mayor Nelson Evans. City council in July approved his rehiring.

Starting Oct. 1, Mr. Eckel's salary will drop to $79,546 annually - or $20,321 less than the $99,867 he is paid now.

Under the new policy, Perrysburg city will pay entry-level salaries to rehired retirees, who also receive their public pensions. Vacation and sick-time allotments also start over.

The retirees must get approval from the mayor and city council's blessing to take advantage of the new policy.

In other action at Tuesday's city council meeting, the board held a second reading on a special assessment for tree removal and maintenance in the city's right-of-way.

The special tax will cost most homeowners less than $10 on their property tax bills, finance director David Creps said.

The city plans to collect a total of $100,000, he added.