Sheriff wants CCA contract terminated

YOUNGSTOWN — Sheriff Randall Wellington is calling for termination of Mahoning County’s contract with the Community Corrections Agency.

The agency operates a misdemeanant jail, housing 96 nonviolent offenders, on Market Street.

Wellington submitted the request to county commissioners to terminate the rehabilitation agency’s $120,000 contract, according to CCA Executive Director Richard Billak. Billak said he was notified of the request through a letter Friday.

CCA’s annual budget is about $5 million, Billak said. Most of that money comes from state and federal grants, he said.

Wellington has suggested that local drug and alcohol rehabilitation service providers assume the CCA’s role, Billak said.

Billak said he believes the sheriff’s request was motivated by political issues. Billak said he is openly supporting the sheriff’s opponent in the 2008 primary race.

“It’s Mahoning County politics at its best,” Billak said.

Wellington could not be reached to comment.

Billak said he would take the issue to court if county commissioners honored Wellington’s request.

Since the formation of CCA in 1974, the agency has received numerous state and local awards, Billak said. According to Vindicator files, in 2002, the agency was found to be one of the most effective programs in the state for reducing recidivism.