Township support averts Trumbull Co. 911 layoffs

If Trumbull County had to do layoffs, it would have just 13 dispatchers left, or about two per shift.
WARREN -- Trumbull County will not lay off 15 dispatchers.
Tim Gladis, 911 director, said he received a letter from Tony Carson, the county administrator, Thursday that said commissioners had rescinded the layoffs.
"I am a very happy man right now," Gladis said. "I'm not only glad for my workers -- we have a lot of single moms -- but for the whole community. I was really worried about the level of service if we were to cut that many people."
If the county had to do layoffs, it would have just 13 dispatchers left, or about two per shift. That's not enough to keep up with the call volume, officials said.
The 911 center in Howland had a $2.1 million budget last year but faces a $614,000 shortfall this year.
The layoffs were scheduled to take place Monday, but members of the Trumbull County Township Association met Wednesday and approved a plan that would give county commissioners the money needed to keep the employees working.
The townships agreed to pay the amount of money they owe for the rest of the year now, instead of in monthly installments.
Only Weathersfield Township chose not to take part. The township is considering other dispatching options, officials said.
Trumbull County 911 dispatches for 20 townships, Cortland, Orangeville and the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department, said Darlene St. George, Howland Township administrator.
She and Commissioner James Tsagaris said they believe the county will now have to start working on a long-term plan to keep the center operating.
One of the plans is to contact local communities, such as Liberty, Girard, and Niles, and suggest that they join the county 911.
Pat Ungaro, Liberty Township administrator, said trustees would consider the idea if approached by commissioners. However, he noted that the township safety forces, trustees and several residents objected to joining 911 in the past.
Liberty-Girard merger
Ungaro also noted that he is meeting with Mayor James Melfi of Girard soon to discuss a merger between those two communities.
Commissioners are also discussing an additional sales tax as another option to keeping the center funded. Public hearings on an additional Trumbull County sales tax will be held at 10 a.m. March 18 and 6 p.m. March 22. Both will be at the county administration building, 160 High St. N.W.
Proceeds from the tax, if enacted, would be used to maintain functions of county government, where layoffs and reduced hours are affecting the sheriff, 911 center, treasurer, auditor, recorder and other offices.