New Ely Fire Chief David Marshall took the oath of office this week, administered by Interim Mayor Chuck Novak Tuesday night at the City Council meeting, and began his duties as both department leader and secretary.
The council’s negotiating committee met with Marshall late last month to review the position’s pay and job description. As recommended, the council agreed to pay Marshall a flat $700 biweekly with no hourly pay for calls and training.
“The former chief got paid a salary plus got paid to be on fire calls and training,” Novak said. “This (new pay agreement) ends up being a wash for us if not actually a budget plus, so we thank Mr. Marshall for his offer.”
The negotiating committee also discussed the fire chief’s job description and possible revisions. According to the meeting minutes, the position was last reviewed in September 2010, when former chief Tom Erchull took over as department leader.