WARREN Audit finds high rate of disease

A state performance audit also found that there's not enough community involvement in the budget process.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
and PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city has a high number of reported cases of communicable diseases, almost double that of comparable cities.
A state performance audit says about 78 percent of Warren's reported cases of communicable diseases are sexually transmitted and suggests staffing could be added to increase the health department's outreach and education on STD's.
The Vindicator obtained a copy of the audit marked "Confidential Discussion Draft" that was the focus of a closed-door meeting Thursday between state auditors, city officials and council.
The final draft is expected to be released publicly in the next few weeks.
Bob Pinti, deputy health commissioner, said the city is doing what it can to address those cases. He declined to comment further.
Third round: This is the third round of performance audits the city requested for all departments.
Information was gathered during the city's financial crunch when some employees were laid off.
It includes suggestions for Packard Music Hall and the health, finance and engineering, building and planning departments.
The state has already released performance audits on the income tax, fire, operations and police departments, municipal court and clerk of courts.
For this audit, the state measured operations against those of cities such as Elyria and Mansfield, and used Stambaugh and Powers auditoriums in Youngstown to compare operations at Packard Music Hall.
Budget process: For the finance department, the audit found there's no community involvement in the budget development or approval process other than city council meetings that include the budget on the agenda.
"We announce when the budget hearings will be held at council meetings and the public is invited," Auditor Dave Griffing said.
"We have tried to get people to come and sometimes I have a hard time getting council to come. The more people that understand the budget, the better off we are."
Voters approved a 0.5 percent income tax increase in May 2001after being told money would go to hire safety services, but, the audit says, the budget does not spell out how the money will be spent.
Objecting to The Vindicator's getting a copy of the audit report, Griffing asked, "Doesn't it say confidential on it?"
He thinks some minor changes will be made in the engineering, building and planning deparmtnet part of the audit before the final draft is released.
Engineering: In the review of the engineering, building and planning department, the audit says, the city has not pledged adequate operating funds or found other sources for road improvements.
Passing two additional motor vehicle taxes could generate $421,000, it says.
The city should develop and implement a process ensuring permit and other fees accurately reflect the cost the city incurs for performing services.
"Although the building division's expenditures are similar to their revenues, the city should continually review the permit fee structure to make sure fees are reasonable," the audit says.
David Robison, director of engineering, was unavailable to comment.
Music hall: Packard Music Hall doesn't have sufficient staff and should consider intergrating part-time and volunteer workers.
Stambaugh is able to keep payroll costs lower than the music hall, while maintaining more staff because it has part-time positions, the state points out.
The audit suggests the music hall should continue to involve the community to determine priorities and a mission statement.
It's in need of renovations and equipment replacement, as outlined in a study the music hall commissioned that found there's $9 million worth of capital needs.
The music hall is already addressing some concerns in the audit and has secured a liquor permit and taken steps to create a box office and nonprofit foundation.
Music hall Manager Christopher Stephenson declined to comment pending official release of the audit.
davis@vindy.comsinkovich@vindy.com