REGIONAL AIRPORT Commission delays vote on funding

Mahoning commissioners will meet with the airport authority and their Trumbull County counterparts.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County commissioners want more time before deciding how much money to give the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
Commissioners had intended to vote Thursday on a $75,000 contribution to the Western Reserve Port Authority, which operates the airport.
That's the same amount Trumbull County commissioners approved last month. Each county contributes money to the airport each year to help offset its operating costs. They still owe about $150,000 each for this year.
Financial outlook
Trumbull commissioners said they would withhold the balance of their obligation pending a meeting with airport officials to discuss the facility's financial condition.
Mahoning County commissioners also want to meet with the airport officials, and with Trumbull commissioners, before making up their minds, said Commissioner Ed Reese.
"I think it's just the prudent thing to do," he said. "We'll put the pencil to the paper and see where cuts can be made."
He said commissioners want to make sure that all mandated services at the airport can be provided.
Reese was not sure when the meeting will take place, but it should be within the next two weeks. He said commissioners should act on an airport appropriation at their Dec. 19 meeting.