WRTA workers accept pay freeze

Posted for Sarah Poulton

YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority’s executive director and seven union members accepted a one-year renewal contract without pay increases because of a budget deficit.

James J. Ferraro, executive director, said at an authority board meeting today that he and members of International Aerospace Machinist Local 1019 understand that state funding and grants they were allocated in the past are not available at this time. It’s better to cut costs through wages than to cut costs by eliminating services, he said.

“We’ve reached some difficult times,” Ferraro said. “We have to hold the line.”

Ferraro said that unfortunately, WRTA has to tighten its budget again. He said he is concerned with controlling spending without losing quality or quantity of service.

Ferraro said WRTA works hard every day to ensure quality service and was excited to announce that the purchase of the Salvation Army land adjacent to WRTA on Mahoning Avenue went through after five years.

Marianne Vaughn, secretary and treasurer, there are no building plans as of now.

However, Ferraro said: “We have some plans in the future for this property. It should help to strengthen WRTA in the community.”

The WRTA board also passed a resolution that will allow Ferraro to solicit proposals for a consultant to develop a coordinated plan with Niles and Mercer, Pa. to provide reliable transportation for low-income people to travel to and from work, Vaughn said.