EAST LIVERPOOL — A special session of the East Liverpool City Council was held Tuesday to consider an ordinance to adjust appropriations and vote on the appointment of Bill Cowan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

The ordinance to adjust appropriations and a voice vote to appoint Cowan to the BPU passed with all-in-favor votes. Council member John Mercer did not vote due to being absent and excused from the meeting due to work.

The adjustment to increase appropriations for line-item General Fund is for the Chris Green lawsuit settlement in the amount of $316,500 and the loan payment for the Green settlement in the amount of $68,062.94.

Council member Fred Rayl, chair of Finance Committee, noted in a special finance committee meeting held immediately prior to the special council meeting, that the passage of this ordinance was another step required to complete the lawsuit settlement. He noted that the $316,500 is the amount of the loan the city obtained from the bank to pay the settlement. The settlement was not covered by the city’s insurance. Rayl also said that the $68,062.94 constitutes 11 months of payments which began on Jan. 26 and at the beginning of next year the city will have to appropriate funds again to continue the payments.

Council President John Torma asked to approve the temporary appointment of Cowan to the BPU to fulfill the unexpired term of Jim Swoger who is unable to complete the term.

The East Liverpool City Council meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at East Liverpool City Hall, 126 W. 6th St. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 3.