MAHONING COUNTY List of unclaimed funds is posted on Web site

Commissioners authorized the sheriff to buy 11 cruisers for about $51,000.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- People who think they might have some money on Mahoning County's list of unclaimed funds can find out from their computer.
County Auditor George Tablack said he has posted the list of unclaimed funds on his office's Web site, www.mahoningcountyauditor.org.
At Thursday's county commissioners meeting, Tablack said he is looking for ways to improve the process of notifying the public that the funds are available, which could increase the chance that some of the money will be claimed.
Under fire
The county came under fire this week from the Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts, a political group, which criticized commissioners for not releasing the list to the public. There are about 5,000 accounts on the list.
"In no way were we trying to pull one over on the public," Tablack said. He said Ohio law allows counties to move unclaimed funds into the general fund after five years.
However, even if that happens, people who are owed money and stake a legitimate claim must be paid by the county, Tablack said.
"I want to assure the taxpayers that no one is going to lose their right to a claim. No one," Tablack said.
Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock said commissioners were unfairly criticized over the issue. She said the money is tracked by the county budget commission, which includes the auditor, prosecutor and treasurer.
County Administrator Gary Kubic said unclaimed funds is money people are owed from a multitude of sources, including witness and juror fees, court awards, estate settlements and payroll. The county has about $900,000 worth of unclaimed funds.
Seeking efficient notification
Tablack said his office will work on developing a more efficient way of letting the public know the money is available, and how to collect it.
"It's an internal control question and we will deal with it," he said. He thanked the political club for bringing the issue to light.
Commissioners voted Thursday to authorize Sheriff Randall Wellington to buy 11 cruisers for the sheriff's department. The cost, estimated at $51,100, will be paid through a federal law enforcement grant.
Wellington said the cars -- which are Ford Tauruses and Crown Victorias -- are used Ohio State Highway Patrol cars. They will replace vehicles in his fleet, some of which have more than 200,000 miles, he said.
bjackson@vindy.com