MAHONING CO. Search narrows for dog warden

The list has been cut down to seven finalists.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- More than 30 people have applied to be Mahoning County's next dog warden.
Nearly all the applicants live within the county. One is from New Mexico.
Connie Pierce, county human resources director, said a screening committee has narrowed the list of 31 applicants to seven who will be interviewed for the position, vacated last month when Carol Markovich retired.
Markovich is one of the panel members, said Commissioner David Ludt.
Pierce declined to identify the finalists because they have not been notified of their selection. She said interviews with the finalists will be scheduled later this month, and she hopes to recommend a replacement to commissioners in July.
"That's my goal," she said.
Pierce said if a second round of interviews is needed, the short-list will be shortened even more and further interviews done with those finalists before a recommendation is made.
Decades in department
Markovich had worked in the dog warden's department for 33 years, including the last 14 as warden, before retiring May 31. Her father and grandfather had preceded her as dog wardens.
Michael L. Fox, who was appointed by commissioners to serve as interim director until a full-time replacement is picked, is among those who've applied for the $52,417-a-year job. Fox has been with the department more than 28 years and served as Markovich's chief deputy.
Fox was not given a pay raise when he was tapped to serve as interim director. Pierce said if the interim appointment lasted longer than two weeks, his pay would be reviewed and could be adjusted by commissioners.
Pierce said that hasn't been done yet, though, and Fox still is being paid his regular wage of $34,216 a year. She said his salary could be on the table for discussion by commissioners later this week.