MAHONING COUNTY Fund increases access to sewer lines

The money is repaid only if the homeowner moves or refinances.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Certain Mahoning County residents who are required to tap into municipal sewer lines, but can't afford it, can get help from county commissioners.
The board voted Thursday to create a tap-in assistance fund, which will be available to low- and moderate-income residents, said Joseph Caruso, assistant county administrator.
He said $100,000 from the county's revolving loan fund will be set aside for the assistance program. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria based on income and geographical location, among other things.
Caruso said any amount awarded is attached as a second mortgage against the applicant's home. If the owner stays in the home for at least 10 years, the award becomes a grant and does not have to be repaid.
If the owner sells or refinances the home within 10 years, the county has the right to recover its money, Caruso said.
Applications are available through the commissioners' office.
Relocation sites
Commissioners also discussed again their plans to relocate the county Job and Family Services department from its location in the McGuffey Plaza on Youngstown's East Side.
Commissioners have said possible sites for housing the agency are the Phar-Mor building on Federal Plaza and the Oakhill Renaissance Center on the South Side. Proponents of both sites spoke to commissioners on behalf of each facility.
Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock said the panel is leaning toward Phar-Mor because it fits in with Youngstown City Council's vision for overall downtown redevelopment. Commissioners said, however, they have made no final decisions and are continuing to look into the matter.
bjackson@vindy.com