NEWTON FALLS — Village council has approved a contract with former village clerk Kathy King to serve as the temporary interim village manager for at least two months as council searches for a new manager.

Mayor David Hanson said council, at an emergency meeting this week, approved the agreement for King to serve at least two months as interim manager while the search is taking place.

As part of the agreement, King will work part-time for 24 to 30 hours and be paid $14,999, with one month paid $9,800 and $5,199 for the second month. There will be no medical benefits or OPERS benefits and no withholdings to be deducted from her compensation.

Jamie Vernaccini, who most recently served as village manager, is vacating the position this week.

Hanson said officials hope to have someone selected by the summer.

King served 30 years as clerk, working with many councils and city managers over the years.

“Nobody is more qualified to be an interim city manager than Kathy,” Hanson said.

Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said King will serve for two months, but the agreement can be extended to the end of the year if it takes longer to find a new village manager.

“We are super excited to have her. She knows the community and is familiar with the day-to-day operations. She has been running the show for many years and worked with so many people. She knows the staff,” Stimpert said.

She said King’s official start date was April 15.

King is aware the position is temporary. “Our hope is to get resumes and interview candidates and have someone in place as soon as we can,” Stimpert said.

TORNADO SIRENS

In other business, Hanson said he is concerned the village’s tornado warning sirens are inoperable and not connected with the Trumbull County 911 system.

He said when the 911 system initiates the tornado sirens countywide, Newton Falls sirens do not go off.

Hanson said he hopes the issue can be addressed.

In other business, council:

• Canceled an executive session on sale of village property.

• Approved receiving an Ohio Department of Agriculture land use planning grant to help businesses and homeowners.

• Entered into an agreement to purchase and for installation of a replacement wastewater pump for the water treatment plant.