GIRARD Mayor prepares to cut services

The mayor has closed Girard Lakes to fishing.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Mayor James J. Melfi seems to be laying the groundwork to cut city services next year.
Melfi was asked during Monday's city council meeting if the financially troubled community was going to retain the city-operated ambulance next year.
"Nothing has been finalized," Melfi said, noting he would not comment on anything that hasn't been decided.
Lawmakers approved the 2004 general fund budget of $4 million. The state auditor's office has said the city's general fund revenue next year is estimated at $3.2 million.
"The demands are great on the general fund," Melfi asserted. "Everything could be on the chopping block."
A large portion of the general fund pays for police and fire protection.
Melfi did say that Mark Zuppo, recreation director, has resigned effective Jan. 1. Zuppo has been paid $1 a year. The mayor declined to comment.
In August, Melfi warned that he may have to eliminate the ambulance service operated by the fire department, resulting in the layoff of firefighters.
His comments came when city council decided not to place a 3.9-mill levy on the November general election ballot to bail out the general fund.
During Monday's meeting, Melfi announced the closing of Girard Lakes for fishing because the sale of permits wasn't meeting expenses.
The city has lost money the past three years with $38,000 in revenue in 2001, $30,000 in 2002 and $20,000 taken in this year.
Dissatisfaction
During her last council meeting, Councilwoman Kathleen O'Connell Sauline, D-2nd, expressed dissatisfaction with the operations of the city.
The chairwoman of the finance committee said she has found it difficult to pretend the administration has the will to put together a long-range financial plan.
She was also critical of council for not having the courage of their convictions to bring about positive change.
Law Director Mark Standohar, who serves as council's parliamentarian, shut off Sauline from commenting further.
After the meeting, Standohar explained that council rules prohibit personal attacks on the administration and lawmakers.
In his last meeting, Councilman Clyde Wagner, D-3rd, said he never knew what to do as chairman of the health and safety committee because he hadn't been given any instructions.
He said committee chairmen should have written descriptions of their duties.
In another matter, council approved a mutual aid agreement between the police department and other Trumbull County communities in case of a disaster.
In a letter to council, police Capt. Frank Bigowsky said the agreement would allow for mutual assistance without going through "undue red tape or bureaucracy."
Police Chief Anthony Ross said his department is short of staff and equipment.
"We can't handle any type of disturbance," Ross said.
yovich@vindy.com