Engineer allowed to retire, be rehired

Dave Beach will be paid a lower salary while collecting his retirement pay.

BEAVERCREEK — Dave Beach, city engineer and public works director, will retire, but remain with the city at a lower salary also while being able to draw his retirement pay.

Council members approved the retire/rehire agreement with a 5-1 vote at their regular meeting July 27. The agreement takes effect Aug. 4 and is allowed under Ohio law.

City Council members and city officials applauded Beach’s work since he came to the city in 1991. As engineer and public works director, he has won $55 million in grants for the city, including $26 million from grants in the past two years, said Bill Kucera, finance director.

Councilwoman Phyllis Howard noted Beach’s knowledge of the inner workings of the grant writing process. “It’s just amazing, especially now when everyone is fighting for every penny,” she said.

Vice Mayor Vicki Giambrone also appreciated Beach’s achievements, but said she wanted to ensure the city was training new young talent to eventually take over.

Mayor Julie Vann acknowledged Beach’s hard work during his time with the city, but voted against the deal, saying retirement was for people who want to retire. “It’s very hard for me to approve double dipping,” she said.

Beach will earn $89,502 when he is rehired, $10,000 less than his current salary, Kucera said. He also will come back to the city as a new employee with fewer benefits than he has now.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2342 or cmagan@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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