Should the Ohio State Highway Patrol pay the municipal income tax fee while patrolling in the city of Ironton?

That was the question posed by Ironton Finance Director Kristen Martin at Thursday’s Ironton City County meeting.

Martin asked city attorney Mack Anderson to research whether the post meets the criteria that requires others who live outside the city limits, but who work within the city a certain number of days per year, to pay a portion of income tax to Ironton.

“Why aren’t they?” asked Mayor Rich Blankenship.

“That is the question,” said council chairman Mike Lutz. “I think it is a reasonable question.”

Anderson said he would research the issue.

“I think they are subject to the tax but I will make sure,” Anderson said.

Blankenship also asked Anderson for written confirmation that he cannot prohibit the OSHP from patrolling the streets of Ironton.

“I had been asked the question if the mayor can prohibit the state patrol from patrolling inside the municipality,” Blankenship said. “According to the Ohio Revised Code, 5503 Section A, it states that the Ohio state patrol can patrol all roads.”

In other business:

• Council passed resolution 12-85 awarding a one-time pension honorarium to certain employees of the City of Ironton.

The resolution gives a one-time payment of $750 to 19 non-union employees who have contributed 7.5 percent of the employee legislated portion of 10 percent of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.

Those employees are the chief of police, fire chief, two solicitors, finance director, assistant finance director, payroll clerk, deputy auditor, economic development director, benefits specialist, public utilities assistant, code enforcement officer, mayoral secretary, street superintendent, recreation director, water superintendent, health commissioner, sanitarian and registrar.

• Council had first reading of ordinance 12-82 authorizing and directing the mayor to execute an agreement with Doll Layman, Ltd., for replacement of the grit collector and bar screen at the wastewater treatment plant.

Doll Layman was the lowest bidder for the project and bid $347,000.

• Council had first reading of ordinance 12-83 authorizing and directing the mayor to execute a change order with Fields Excavating, Inc., for reconstruction work performed for the North Ironton sanitary sewer separation Phase I project in the amount of $46,451.91.

• Council had first reading of ordinance 12-84 authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract with Ohio University Southern to provide police protection for the campus. The contract outlines that the city will receive $10,000 for a period of 12 months beginning Jan. 1, 2013.

• Council approved the appointment of Jonda Deeds to the position of clerk of the Civil Service Board.