Youngstown Council watches finances

YOUNGSTOWN —With the city facing a projected deficit of more than $3 million, council members say nothing is off limits when it comes to its financial bottom line.

Council President Charles Sammarone suggested today that the city reexamine its standard policy of waiving building permit fees for companies opening or expanding businesses here.

“It doesn’t make sense to give this away with the financial situation we’re in,” he said. “...Is it worth it to go further in the red to waive these fees?”

The city forgoes about $30,000 to $250,000 a year in building fees, depending on the sizes and number of projects, said Finance Director David Bozanich.

While agreeing with Sammarone that city should take a closer look at waiving the fees, Bozanich said that policy gives the city an advantage over surrounding communities that charge the fees.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com