Wilhelm elected mayor in Dawson
DAWSON – The Vacancy Board appointed councilwoman Barbara Wilhelm as the first female mayor of this tiny Fayette County borough on Monday. Council and vacancy board member James Rearick Sr. elected Wilhelm by a 4-2 vote. Those voting in favor of the appointment were Donna Martin, Phyllis Newell, Wilhelm and John Nudo. Those voting against Wilhelm were Cathy Trimble and Emerson Long.
Council President Patty Lint was not allowed to vote, under borough code, because she has been serving as acting mayor since last month when Mayor Ken Ridgely resigned.
Although Ridgely didn’t give an exact reason for his departure he did say, “I apologize to the residents of Dawson because I cannot finish my term.”
Newell and Nudo nominated Wilhelm for the post.
Former Mayor Pat Trimble was also nominated for the post by Long. Trimble’s wife, Cathy, seconded the motion. Those voting in favor of Trimble were Rearick, Trimble and Long. Those voting against the nomination were Nudo, Martin, Wilhelm and Newill.
Prior to the vote, solicitor Richard Husband explained that he researched opinions from the ethics commission concerning a conflict of interest with Trimble, Wilhelm and Newell. Newell is Wilhelm’s niece.
Husband said his research showed that Wilhelm was allowed to vote for herself, Newell could vote for her aunt and Trimble could vote for her husband because none of the three had any “pecuniary gain or interest,” which means no financial interest.
Wilhelm, a resident of the borough since 1967, said, “I will be the kind of mayor that the people can call. I’m willing to go out day and night if somebody has a problem.”
During the regular portion of the meeting, Wilhelm resigned from council, leaving an open seat. Nudo suggested that anyone interested in the position should send a letter of interest to the borough building prior to the Dec. 9 monthly meeting.
“I think it’s only fair that all the residents get the chance to apply for the position,” said Nudo.
Long recommended that Pat Trimble and Strickler Street resident Richard Fosbrink be considered for the vacant seat.
In other unrelated matters, council passed the 2003 tentative budget. The budget calls for the borough to spend $103,245. They will carry over $58,175. The largest expense in the budget is listed as insurance at $8,582.
The second highest expense is the secretary’s salary at $6,580, followed by street lighting at $6,060. Utilities for the borough are expected to cost $2,400, fire hydrant rental is $2,125, code enforcement/police is listed at $3,000 and recreation, donation to the fire department, grant matching funds, legal fees and advertising are expected to cost $2,000 each.
Maintenance wages are estimated at $2,600 and employer contributions and benefits are listed at $1,600.
Revenues come from $11,000 in real estate taxes, $1,400 in per capita taxes, $1,200 in interest, rents and royalties, $2,000 in delinquent taxes from the county, $26,000 in earned income taxes, $1,700 in fines and forfeits, $300 in miscellaneous income, liquor license fees and business fees, $800 in real estate transfer taxes and $70 in public utility realty tax.