Plans for new CSB building shows commitment to city

Mahoning County commissioners and officials of the county's Children Services Board are to be commended for deciding to locate a new headquarters for the agency in downtown Youngstown. The decision not only reflects a strong commitment on the part of commissioners Edward Reese, Vicki Allen Sherlock and David Ludt to the central business district's redevelopment, but it shows a level of cooperation between government entities that is encouraging and important.
County Administrator Gary Kubic also deserves special recognition because he has worked tirelessly to make sure that county government not only remains downtown but is an active participant in the many projects that are on the drawing board. For example, county officials, along with representatives of Youngstown State University and the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority, are working with the administration of Mayor George M. McKelvey to develop a plan of action to fully utilize the city's federal "renewal community" designation.
What is significant about the CSB project is the fact that no general fund money will be used for the planning or construction of the new office building. That is a point Reese, Sherlock and Ludt, as well as Kubic and others should keep reminding the residents of Mahoning County. Why? Because in November, voters will be asked to renew a 0.5 percent sales tax that expires this year.
In last month's primary election, the renewal issue was defeated by 506 votes. The defeat should serve as a wake-up call for county government officials and business and community leaders who appreciate how devastating the loss of the 0.5 percent tax will be on government's operation. The tax generates about $12 million a year.
Important story
But the defeat also provides the commissioners and Kubic with an opportunity to win over those taxpayers who continue to believe that government at all levels simply squanders tax dollars. The county has an important story to tell about what has been done to streamline agencies and to make sure that all communities derive benefits from the various programs that have been initiated.
Of significance is the economic development fund created a to provide communities with matching money so they can go after state and federal grants. The list of projects that have been completed through the program is impressive.
But the results of the May primary indicate that not everyone has heard the story, or not everyone believes it. Therein lies the challenge.
The CSB project must not be allowed to become a lightning rod for the anti-tax campaign. The $4 million to $5 million to be spent on the 35,000-square-foot building will come out of the agency's reserves. The reserves reflect good management and careful spending by the Children Services Board's governing body and the director and staff.
The commissioners have selected the vacant Masters block on West Federal Street as the site. The block contains several buildings, including the former Masters Tuxedo store, which will be torn down. The property is owned by the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corporation, a private-public sector entity leading the redevelopment of the downtown area.
Kubic has said the commissioners favor having the CIC oversee construction of the CSB building based on its success in developing the George V. Voinovich Government Center on West Federal. The center houses several state government agencies.