GALION, Ohio – The Galion Fire Department is officially getting a new aerial fire truck after a special meeting of Galion City Council on Wednesday evening.
Council passed an ordinance in a special meeting on Wednesday evening to move forward with the $695,000 purchase of an aerial fire truck for the Galion Fire Department. The purchase had been delayed by the refusal of City Treasurer Paula Durbin to sign the purchase check on July 30.
Durbin was present at Wednesday’s special meeting, and said she was pleased with the outcome.
“They did everything right,” she said. “I wish they’d done it right the first time, but I’m happy and I’ll be happy to sign the check.”
Durbin held a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 4 where she explained she refused to sign the check until she saw documentation supporting the $695,000 purchase from Sutphen Corporation. Specifically, Durbin requested the ordinance from the city authorizing the safety service director to enter into a contract, and the fiscal officer certificate certifying that funds were available, appropriated and encumbered for the purchase of the fire truck.
“I can’t knowingly sign a check for an illegal expenditure because that’s not what I’m all about, that’s not being a good public official for the citizens,” said Durbin on Tuesday. “I’m just doing my job and following the law.”
Law Director Thomas Palmer raised questions on Tuesday that Durbin was outside the discretion of her job by requesting the supporting documents for the check.
“It’s my opinion she cannot refuse to sign the check, strictly from a legal point of view,” said Palmer on Tuesday. “She does not have the discretion of whether or not to sign; it’s what’s referred to as a ministerial duty.”
As such, Galion City Council also passed an ordinance on Wednesday ordering Auditor Brian Treisch and Durbin to sign the $695,000 check to purchase the aerial fire truck. Palmer said the check would be presented for Durbin to sign on Friday, and Galion Fire Chief Phil Jackson said he expects to pick up the new fire truck next week.
The purchase of an aerial fire truck for the Galion Fire Department had been in the works since 2013, when Galion City Council approved the purchase of a new fire truck through state appropriations. The city entered into a contract for the purchase of the fire truck in August 2014.
Galion City Council also met in executive session on Wednesday for the purpose of discussing imminent court action. According to Councilmember Sarah Capretta, the city treasurer is required by the Ohio Revised Code to attend meetings of city council. Capretta stated as of Aug. 26, 2014, Durbin had only attended 22 percent of council meetings.
Durbin stated on Tuesday, “The fire truck contract was not properly handled from the beginning, but it was not until last week when the check came before me that I had any involvement in the process.”
