In Campbell, victory means rehiring laid-off workers

Voters rejected a school levy in Sebring, but it'll be back in November.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Five Campbell workers who lost their jobs because of the city's financial hardships will be back at work by July 1 because voters overwhelmingly approved a tax increase.
Meanwhile, voters in the Sebring school district, who rejected a 6.8-mill, five-year additional levy Tuesday, should expect to see it back on the ballot in November.
"The need didn't go away," said Howard Friend, Sebring's superintendent of schools.
The levy would raise $305,000 annually for emergency requirements. Without the additional money, the district faces a $170,000 deficit by the 2004-05 school year.
Voters in the Sebring school district rejected the levy 68 percent to 32 percent.
Campbell levy
The numbers were similar in Campbell -- 67 percent to 33 percent -- but voters in that city approved a 3-mill, five-year tax levy Tuesday to raise $220,000 annually.
The money will be used to rehire three laid-off firefighters, a police officer and a streets and parks department employee, said Brian Macala, the city's law director.
"It's a fabulous relief because we get to bring back safety forces," he said. "Our future looks much brighter."
The city lost about $160,000 annually in tax revenue when Cold Metal Products went out of business last year. The layoffs left the fire department with six firefighters, and the police department with 13 officers.
The five city workers who lost their jobs will be rehired by July 1, Macala said.
In Youngstown
Youngstown voters approved a referendum to allow city council to negotiate with bulk electric suppliers for a cheaper rate. City residents could save about 6 percent on their electricity bill if the city reaches a contract with an electricity supplier, city officials say.
City officials say they won't make a deal unless it results in a savings for businesses and residents. Also, those who don't want to switch their electrical supplier can opt out of the deal.
Voters in the South Range school district approved a 3.3-mill, five-year renewal levy 79 percent to 21 percent. The levy raises $430,555 annually and will keep the school district from having an operating deficit.
Customers at Nemenz IGA at 655 Creed St. in Struthers Ward 2, Precinct B, will have to go elsewhere Sundays if they want to buy liquor. Residents of that precinct rejected a Sunday liquor option for the store.
skolnick@vindy.com