Tablack: Consider tourism funds use

One Mahoning official has requested a legal opinion.
& lt;a href=mailto:bjackson@vindy.com & gt;By BOB JACKSON & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County commissioners should not count out the local visitors bureau as a potential source of funding for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
That was the advice of Auditor George Tablack, who said commissioners should take a hard look at whether the Youngstown/Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau is allowed to earmark part of its revenue for airport operating costs.
Tablack said the visitors bureau, which appoints its own members, has used money in the past to pay for people to play in the Giant Eagle LPGA golf tournament and to support the Youngstown Symphony.
"They have had many expenditures outside the scope of travel," Tablack said.
Budget carryover
The visitors bureau gets its money from a hotel-motel bed tax that was imposed by county commissioners. Tablack said the agency, which is outside the scope of county government, had a budget carryover of more than $600,000 this year, including cash and securities.
He has suggested that commissioners investigate the possibility of the bureau's helping to cover Mahoning County's portion of operating expenses for the airport, which is in Trumbull County. Mahoning and Trumbull counties share those expenses each year.
Commissioners have been unable to agree on whether Mahoning County can afford to match Trumbull's $187,000 contribution for this year.
Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock said she has requested a legal opinion from the county prosecutor's office on whether the visitors bureau can allocate money for the airport, but hasn't received a response.
Linette Stratford, chief assistant prosecutor, was not available Tuesday to comment.
Commissioner Ed Reese said he's not sure whether the bureau can legally use its money for that purpose, but Tablack said commissioners should find out before dismissing it as an option.
"These are tough times and it's time to make tough choices and ask tough questions," Tablack said. "We're faced with a fight for our lives in maintaining services in county government."
Tablack said the airport should be funded because it's vital to the area's economic viability. He said commissioners, however, should find a revenue source other than the general fund. He's also suggested development of a long-range funding plan for the airport.
& lt;a href=mailto:bjackson@vindy.com & gt;bjackson@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;