CORTLAND — The city is moving forward with appointing a new fire chief following the retirement of longtime Chief David Rea.

Council gave first reading Monday to an ordinance establishing the salary, benefits and terms of employment for fire Captain Todd Price, who placed first on the city’s civil service examination for the position.

Mayor Jim Bradley said the ordinance will return for a second reading as an emergency measure to ensure a smooth transition after Rea retires July 23.

Bradley said Price’s salary will be identical to the current chief’s salary, which is approximately $73,000. He said the agreement also removes the city’s practice of paying the employee’s share of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System contribution.

Price’s contract runs from July 30 through Sept. 30, 2027.

In other business, council:

• Gave first reading to legislation authorizing the public service director to amend the city’s federal local project agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the East Main Street resurfacing project.

• Gave first reading to a contract with MS Consultants Inc. to provide municipal engineering services for up to four years.

• Heard a report that the city’s new online payment processor is operational after a two-day transition. Residents can continue using the city’s online payment portal, create autopay accounts and now make payments by phone. One-time electronic check payments will now carry a $1.50 fee, while automatic payments remain free.

• Heard from Rea, who announced the department received a state EMS grant of slightly more than $2,900 funded through seat belt enforcement fines.

• Heard from Service Director Greg Solarz that demolition of the former school building on Pearl Street is expected to begin next week following asbestos abatement.

• Heard a report from Bradley that construction of the city’s outdoor event space on West Main Street is expected to begin in early August and be completed by the end of the year; he added that planning continues for the proposed safety services complex.