YOUNGSTOWN Fortune confirms he'll lead council

It's a tight budget year because there is no 2001 surplus, costs are increasing and revenue is shaky.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- James E. Fortune Sr. will be the next city council president, but not until after the 2002 budget is approved.
Fortune, D-6th, confirmed Wednesday that he will resign his ward seat and take the president spot.
That won't happen until the end of the month, however, when the 2002 budget is expected to be passed. The ward needs a representative through the budget process, Fortune said.
"It's not right for me to up and leave like this," he said.
In line: Fortune, the senior council member and president pro tem, is first in line for the president job under the city charter. Charles P. Sammarone resigned earlier this month to become city water commissioner. He replaced Gary Thornton, who retired.
Under the city charter, the move to council president leaves Fortune a step from the mayor's office. That's a possibility, because Mayor George M. McKelvey is mulling an independent bid for Congress.
After Fortune resigns his ward seat, about 15 Democratic precinct committee members in the 6th Ward will vote on who becomes the next council member.
This will be the toughest budget in at least five years, said Fortune, who also is council's finance committee chairman.
Income tax revenue dropped through last year, and the city finished 2001 without a surplus, said Finance Director Barbara Burtner.
The 2002 budget becomes even tougher because: Tax revenue isn't likely to rise; salary increases will cost a couple million dollars more; health insurance costs rose $1 million; and $1.5 million in federal funding for police officers is in jeopardy.
Layoffs, however, aren't yet a consideration, council members say.
Balancing budget: Council is letting the administration come up with a balanced budget and has committed to passing it, Fortune said. He is confident the mayor and finance director will do the right thing.
"Council isn't going ... to cause a problem," he said. "It's tough, but it can be done."
Council approved these items Wednesday:
* Authorized the board of control to negotiate and sign a development agreement with Frangos Parking. The company wants to demolish the parking deck it owns on Boardman Street across from city hall. The city's contribution to the project isn't to exceed 25 percent of the project cost, up to $120,000. The estimated cost is $600,000. The company will replace the deck with surface parking and a small park.
* Approved resolutions supporting a proposed CHOICE and Jubilee tax credit housing project that would build up to 50 new homes for mostly low- and moderate- income families, mainly on Coitsville-Hubbard Road on the East Side.
* Changed the zoning on land Mahoning County owns on Bears Den Road. The zoning went from residential to business so the county can build a hazardous materials office building.
Met in court: Wednesday's meeting was held in municipal Judge Robert Milich's courtroom because the council chambers are undergoing renovations.
Fortune sat at the judge's bench. Councilmen sat at the prosecution and defense tables. Department heads were spread across the jury box and spectator area, some having to stand.
rgsmith@vindy.com