TRUMBULL COUNTY Volunteer committee is set to probe finances

The committee is still trying to work out its role.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A volunteer committee has been given eight to 10 weeks to review Trumbull County finances and report back to the county commissioners who appointed them.
At the first meeting, members of the committee -- none of whom has experience in county government -- wondered how to approach their task.
"I think it is going to be difficult in eight to 10 meetings to tell you if you are doing your job well," said William Beinecke, a member from Liberty.
Panel's purpose
The purpose of the committee, as explained at the first meeting Tuesday, is to determine if Trumbull County is spending wisely -- and how much more money the county should get.
"I think the most important thing you are going to do is objectively view county finances in light of what other counties are doing," said county Prosecutor Dennis Watkins.
The committee's final report will be timed to coincide with public hearings on a sales tax increase commissioners have already said will be on the November ballot.
"I think that for you the point is for us to come up with a "yes" recommendation that the tax is needed," said Fremont Camerino, Niles council president. "But we don't know what the hell it is needed for."
The committee will have its first lesson in county government Thursday, when members are treated to a presentation that was developed for public hearings on a sales tax increase in February.
At those hearings, commissioners argued that Trumbull County did more with less money than other counties of similar size.
After the hearings, commissioners doubled the local sales tax, from 0.5 to 1 percent, but the imposed increase is set to expire next year.
Officials said Tuesday they did not expect the committee to rubber-stamp their plans, or to actively campaign in favor of the sales tax increase when it goes on the ballot.
"We are just hoping it will come out looking good, that we are spending the money wisely," said Commissioner Joseph Angelo Jr. "You will give us the ball and we will run with it."
siff@vindy.com