MAHONING COUNTY Inspector placed on leave due to health

County officials stressed that the leave is not a disciplinary measure.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Don C. Hall, Mahoning County's chief building inspector, has been placed on administrative leave, apparently for medical reasons.
Officials would say little else about the leave, which Human Resources Director Connie Pierce said was effective May 5.
Pierce and Joseph Caruso, assistant county administrator, said Hall is being paid during the leave because the reason is medical, not disciplinary.
"We are trying to take care of it in a just and proper way," said Commissioner David Ludt. Like the others, he would not elaborate, citing the need to protect Hall's medical privacy.
Hall, who makes $66,756 a year, has been the chief building official since February 1998. Reached at his Canfield home, Hall declined to comment on the nature of his health problem, and said he does not know how long he will be off work.
"I've just got to get my health under control here," said Hall, 67.
Appointments
Commissioners planned to appoint Jeffrey S. Uroseva interim director of the building inspection department at their meeting today. Uroseva is an inspector with the department and will lead it during Hall's absence.
Uroseva's pay will be increased from $43,400 a year to $50,000 a year, Pierce said.
Commissioners also planned to appoint an interim dog warden today. Carol Markovich is retiring as dog warden Monday, after holding the position for 14 years.
Michael L. Fox, who has been with the department some 29 years, will be tapped to lead it until commissioners select a permanent replacement.
Pierce said Fox is among the 29 people who have applied for the $52,417-a-year position. She said his annual salary of $34,216 will not be immediately adjusted. If the interim appointment lasts longer than two weeks, commissioners will review the matter and decide whether an increase is warranted.
bjackson@vindy.com