Sheriff awaits word on funding increase

Sheriff Randall Wellington will meet with federal officials next week.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Sheriff Randall Wellington should know early next week whether he'll be able to recall laid-off deputies or will have to start shutting down parts of the county jail.
"A lot of questions should be answered on Monday," the sheriff said. That's when he's to meet with Pete Elliott, the newly appointed U.S. marshal for Ohio's northern district.
Wellington said if more revenue for his department isn't found within a month or so, he'll have to start closing floors of the jail to save money.
He laid off 54 deputies in March because of countywide budget reductions.
Federal inmates
The county keeps about 40 federal inmates in the county jail at any given time. They are people who are either waiting to be sentenced in federal court, or waiting for an appearance in federal court. The federal government pays the county $67 per day, per inmate, to help cover the cost of keeping its inmates.
Wellington has asked the federal government to increase both the number of inmates held here and the amount the county receives for keeping them. He thinks the number could be increased to between 75 and 100.
However, David Troutman, who was Elliott's predecessor, has said the government can't guarantee a certain number of inmates for any county.
Auditor George Tablack submitted a request for the federal government to increase the inmate reimbursement to $80 a day, but Wellington said there's been no reply.
The additional revenue would be earmarked for operation of the sheriff's department and allow Wellington to recall some or all the laid-off deputies.
Certification needed
He can't do that, though, unless the county budget commission certifies that there will be more revenue available this year than it originally forecast. The budget commission has held off on doing that without an assurance from the federal government that it will grant the increases.
Wellington said no further deputy layoffs are planned, even if the funding proposal doesn't work out.
bjackson@vindy.com