FISCAL EMERGENCY Campbell mayor seeks assistance in resolving city's financial crisis

A state-appointed panel will oversee the recovery plan.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- Mayor Jack Dill says it's going to be a "tough road" to pull his city out of fiscal emergency and he's looking for professionals with business or accounting experience to help.
"We're taking applications to send to the governor -- he will pick three volunteers," Dill said Thursday. "We want professional people to serve on the panel, maybe those with a business in the city."
Anyone interested in volunteering should call the mayor at (330) 755-1451.
Applications must be forwarded to the governor in 10 days, Dill said.
Thursday, Ohio Auditor Betty Montgomery placed Campbell in fiscal emergency.
The declaration means a state-appointed commission will be formed to oversee development of a recovery plan that will eliminate the emergency conditions and balance the budget.
"We knew it was coming for a long time," Dill said of the fiscal crisis. "We've had layoffs for around a month now."
Dill said six city workers -- one custodian and two each from the fire, street and water departments -- were laid off and at least two other jobs have not been filled that were left vacant through attrition. In recent weeks, the city has had difficulty making payroll.
Blames tax base
Dill said the city's tax base is the culprit of the current financial condition, with the closure of Cold Metal Products being the "icing on the cake." He said the city's population of 10,000 is split in thirds between workers, unemployed and fixed income.
The state commission, meanwhile, will work with city leaders and the volunteers. The recovery plan must be submitted within 120 days of the commission's first meeting.
Montgomery said an analysis of Campbell finances showed that it was carrying deficit fund balances of $1.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2003.
Among other things, the commission has the authority to review all revenue and expenditure estimates and require the government to establish monthly spending levels consistent with the financial plan.
Dill doesn't believe massive layoffs will be ordered.
"We're not really fat in any area," he said. "I don't know where else we can cut."
The mayor is hoping that the new $3.5 million Walton Street bridge, which should be under construction by the end of the month, will spur the economy by opening up an industrial park. He said all the bridge financing is in place.
meade@vindy.com