MAHONING COUNTY $75,000 to be paid to airport

Mahoning County commissioners don't have the airport budgeted for 2003.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County commissioners were to vote today on a $75,000 contribution to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
That's the last money commissioners will give the airport this year, and possibly next year.
"Right now there is no line item in next year's budget for the airport," said Commissioner Ed Reese.
That doesn't mean commissioners won't fund the airport next year, only that they're not setting aside any money right now because of anticipated budget constraints.
"It's just one of many nonmandated services and agencies we're going to have to take a look at," Reese said.
Commissioners will take a wait-and-see approach to funding those operations, he said. If money becomes available, it will be distributed.
Mahoning and Trumbull counties each contribute $300,000 a year to the Western Reserve Port Authority, which operates the airport in Vienna Township, Trumbull County. The money helps offset operating expenses.
Installments
Each county gave half its allocation earlier in the year, and still owed the other $150,000 as of November. Trumbull County commissioners approved a $75,000 contribution last month, and still owe $75,000.
Trumbull commissioners have said they are considering giving more money by the end of the year but have not done so yet.
Mahoning commissioners said they would likewise give $75,000, in keeping with their Trumbull colleagues.
"It's a partnership," said Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock.
However, if Trumbull does decide to give more, Mahoning won't follow suit.
"Our limit is $75,000 because that's all we have set aside," Sherlock said. "I don't see us doing any more at this time."
Sherlock said commissioners are still committed to the airport as an important economic development tool for the region, but can't commit to giving more money now because of the county's tenuous financial situation.
"We're in tight budget times," Reese said.
Commissioners met last week with Trumbull commissioners and the port authority to discuss airport finances. Mahoning commissioners requested the meeting before acting on the contribution.
bjackson@vindy.com