Summit County Councilman Bill Roemer is following through on a campaign promise to give half his government salary to charity because the county didn’t produce a balanced general fund budget last year.
County leaders revealed this week that the county spent $101.7 million but had only $99.9 million in revenue.
“I believe in meeting my commitments,” said Roemer, an at-large councilman from Richfield serving his first term.
He said Thursday he has created a four-member committee to determine where to donate $11,850 — half his annual $23,700 salary.
The committee is comprised of philanthropist Mary Serpentini; Dan Bell, attorney with Jackson Lewis LLP and chairman of Summit County Children Services; Kevin Crum, a certified public accountant with Crum, Buchanan and Associates and chairman of the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board; and the Rev. Jeffrey J. Jimeson, pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Painesville who also has an office in Akron.
Summit County-based nonprofits are eligible to receive all or some of the money. Roemer said he would prefer that several groups receive funding, but that is up to the committee.
Interested organizations may submit a proposal to broemer@summitoh.net by March 15.
Roemer, who was elected in 2010, said he expects the committee will decide by mid-April who will receive the money.
Last year, Roemer declined health and retirement benefits through the county and would not accept the monthly stipend offered to employees who decline benefits.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
