OxfordPress.com

TRENTON — With a new ambulance in hand, Trenton City Council approved financing for the vehicle Thursday, July 3, at a cost of not more than $99,590.

The vehicle replaces one that was wrecked when vehicle hit it May 15 while the unit was on a run through Middletown. Treasurer Michael Engel said the city is also looking into purchasing a used ambulance at a cost of $14,500 to replace an older vehicle.

Trenton's squad has three ambulances in its fleet, including the new one. The city had received an $18,000 insurance settlement from the accident, Engel said.

Councilman Ray Nichols said he would like to see a fund set aside for the purchase of these vehicles so that the city does not have to finance them.

In an executive session, Council also discussed setting a salary for a part-time clerk of council position. The current clerk, Julie Muterspaw, will resign from that job, effective July 31, allowing her to better concentrate on her administrative duties for the city, she said Thursday. Muterspaw wrote a resignation letter to Council on June 19.

"We've continued to grow, and such an important position requires a lot of time," she said.

Other clerks of council have also served as an administrative assistant to the city, but the duties in the past were much lighter. Now, Muterspaw must answer to the city manager, and to the soon-to-be-named economic development director, among others.

"I feel sad because they're such a good group, and I'm sad I can't help them and everyone else, too," Muterspaw said.

Muterspaw has worked for the city for seven years, she said. Her full-time salary for all her duties in 2007 was $50,739.