Columbiana recorder's budget cut forces layoffs

LISBON — Columbiana County commissioners cut the recorder’s budget to start the new year, forcing the recorder to lay off two employees and change the hours of operation.

The commissioners appropriated the county recorder’s office a budget of $13,872.47 for January; nearly a $7,000 reduction from the average monthly budget for 2005.

The 2006 monthly budget was smaller than the 2005 monthly budget for the recorder’s office. The office had four employees.

Recorder Craig Brown said he is disappointed with the commissioners’ decision, especially since his office spent 20 percent less in 2005 than in 2004 with no negative impact on recording or document return time.