Litter officers return

Litter officers return
YOUNGSTOWN -- Joseph Mastropietro, general foreman of the Youngstown Street Department, said the city's litter enforcement officers are back on the job after a layoff of several months in the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department because of budget constraints.
Since the return of the deputies in the last week, three people have been charged with illegal dumping-littering. In the past two years, 48 people have been convicted. A first-time offender faces a fine of up to $1,000 and 180 days in jail.
The officers are working unannounced shifts throughout the city, targeting areas known for illegal dumping.
The enforcement program is funded through city council using federal Community Development Block Grant money.