Gillam to repay academy tuition

The councilman said he wouldn't be voluntarily repaying the money if not for the city financial problems.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A budget hole and an upcoming income tax vote have persuaded Councilman Artis Gillam Sr. to change his mind.
Gillam, D-1st, said Friday he is reversing himself and will repay the city for the $2,100 police academy bill paid on his behalf. He said he would write the city a check "very shortly."
On Wednesday, Gillam said he would let council decide whether to declare the spending a public purpose to make it valid.
Otherwise, the item would have become a finding for recovery against Gillam in the city's next state audit if he didn't repay the money beforehand, according to the law director.
Gillam said he changed his mind after reading The Vindicator's story Thursday on the topic.
The story outlined the situation and a quietly aborted attempt in council last week to declare the expenditure a public purpose. Legislation was prepared but never made the agenda, apparently because there wasn't enough support for the item considering the controversial nature and looming income tax vote.
"I'm not going to put that on their shoulders," Gillam said of council members.
Gillam had council pay the tuition for classes at the Western Reserve Police Academy. He considers the classes part of his training as a councilman. He is now an unpaid reserve Mahoning County deputy sheriff.
Behind his decision
Repaying the money is the best thing to do considering the city faces a projected $2.2 million deficit, he said.
Also, Gillam said he doesn't want his issue to cause anybody to vote against the proposed half-percent income tax increase. The money would return laid-off police and firefighters and add several more.
Gillam said he wouldn't be repaying the money voluntarily if not for the city's financial problems. He still considers the bill a legitimate city expense. Police training contributes to his job as a councilman, he said.
Gillam said he cleared the expenditure beforehand with James E. Fortune Sr., D-6th, council's finance chairman.
In June, a local political group asked the city to seek reimbursement from Gillam. Democrats of the 17th District argued the spending was improper. Atty. Mark Belinky, club president, contended the tuition is a personal matter and unrelated to Gillam's council position.
"I see it one way. He sees it the other," Gillam said.
Belinky was gratified to hear Gillam will be paying the money back.
"That's the right thing to do," he said. "That's what should have happened to start with."
rgsmith@vindy.com