GIRARD Ex-clerk apologizes for police tax mishap

Pam Mayoras said although filing the paperwork was her responsibility, she was not aware of it.
GIRARD -- Council's former clerk says she takes full responsibility for not placing a 0.25-percent income tax on the May primary ballot.
Talking for the first time since resigning her part-time post, Pam Mayoras, said she feels "very badly" about the matter and for some statements she made in her resignation letter.
"When I wrote that letter last week, I was very upset," Mayoras said. "I by no means wanted to imply that it was the law director or auditor's responsibility to file. It was my responsibility, but I wasn't fully aware of it."
Mayoras said she wanted to publicly apologize for her actions and hopes the new clerk is made well aware of all the duties and responsibilities.
The clerk's position pays $3,900 a year, Mayoras said.
Law Director Mark Standohar said he doesn't believe the clerk should shoulder all the blame.
"It's not 100 percent her fault," Standohar said. "The clerk of council works for the eight council members. She is their employee. There are plenty of people to blame."
Council's vote
Council had voted Jan. 24 to place the tax on the May ballot. The five-year tax would raise about $400,000 extra annually for the police department, said Mayor James Melfi. However, the deadline to place issues on the ballot was Feb. 24, and the issue was not filed with the Trumbull County Board of Elections.
Standohar said state statutes, ordinances and municipal guidelines state it is the council and the council's clerk responsibility to file the tax.
Council members are not sure why the paperwork was not filed.
Mayoras said during her tenure as clerk she never filed anything with the board of elections.
"I just want this to be over," said Reynald Paolone, council president. "Everyone is pointing fingers, but the bottom line is the tax didn't get on. It was a mistake. I feel bad for the police department."
Members of council's employee welfare committee are meeting later today to discuss placing the tax on the ballot soon.