AUSTINTOWN Trustees to keep forces intact

The chief is expected to return to his township post in April.
AUSTINTOWN -- Trustees intend to keep the safety forces at current levels.
Last year, the township recalled two police officers who had been laid off because of budget constraints.
The officers returned to work and their salaries were paid with a $40,000 grant from the Mahoning County Drug Task Force and the unpaid $68,000 salary of Police Chief Gordon Ellis.
The township didn't have to pay Ellis' salary while the chief was serving in a peacekeeping mission with the Ohio Army National Guard in Kosovo.
Ellis returned to the U.S. about a week ago and is expected to resume his chief duties in early April.
Attrition
"I've been told to budget with the idea that we're going to keep those officers working," said Clerk Michael Kurish.
He said there may be at least one retirement from the department this year that could help reduce costs if that officer isn't replaced.
David Ditzler, trustees chairman, said the township already has been able to reduce expenses through attrition.
The township maintenance supervisor is on a medical disability leave, and that position hasn't been filled. Two road department employees, the road superintendent and a maintenance department employee also retired, leaving those positions vacant.
"The township administrator has been the maintenance supervisor and the road superintendent as well as the administrator," Ditzler said.
Kurish said the elimination of the police department's juvenile diversion program also saved money, allowing personnel to be used in other capacities within the department.
Other police officers who have retired also haven't been replaced.
"That's all been done so that we could balance the budget for this year," Ditzler said. "It's not a good situation to be in."
Falling funds
The township also is expecting a hit from the governor's changes in the local government fund.
"Everything just keeps adding up and making it more and more difficult," Ditzler said.
Last March, township voters rejected a 2.5-mill police levy that was to help fund the department.
There are no immediate plans to revive that idea.
"With the loss of the [Mahoning County] sales tax and the inability of the community to spend money on a levy, we would make that a last resort," Ditzler said.