MAHONING COUNTY No checks in Campbell

Employees were told Wednesday they would not be paid today.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- For the third time this year, the Friday biweekly paychecks of city employees were not paid on time today because of a lack of funds.
The biweekly payroll was about $85,000 for 50 employees before several employees, including one full-time and three part-time firefighters, were laid off in the spring.
The city's employees, including police and fire, were informed Wednesday they would not be paid today, officials said. Earlier this year, the city discontinued the practice of paying early on Thursdays.
On June 10, Ohio Auditor Betty Montgomery placed Campbell in fiscal emergency, which precipitated a state-appointed commission to control finances of the city until the emergency condition is resolved.
What city is doing
In an effort to alleviate the financial crisis, the city is aggressively pursuing unpaid income tax, which may amount to several hundred thousand dollars, John J. Leskovyansky Jr., finance director and acting administrator, said previously.
Also, the Campbell Fraternal Order of Police agreed in April to a three-year wage freeze, larger copay for health insurance -- $50 a month this year and $65 a month in 2005 and 2006 -- and a reduction in injured-on-duty benefits from one year to 120 days.
Tied up in a meeting this morning, Mayor Jack Dill was not available to comment on when city officials expect to be able to pay the employees.
alcorn@vindy.com