Mahoning commissioners likely to adopt temporary budget to start ’09

YOUNGSTOWN — Because of the uncertainty concerning the number of revenue-producing federal prisoners who will inhabit Mahoning County jail after Jan. 1, the county commissioners likely will adopt a temporary budget later this month for the first quarter of 2009.

“Hopefully, by mid-January or early February, we’ll have a better idea of what’s actually happening with these inmates,” Commissioner John A. McNally IV, said during an impromptu news conference after today’s commissioners’ meeting.

“We have to maintain 150 paying prisoners in our jail” to maintain current operations, said Commissioner David N. Ludt. “There’s a possibility, if we get cut, we can’t maintain the staff in that jail at the point that it is right now.”

County officials are concerned about the prospect of a direct federal contract with Corrections Corp. of America to house federal inmates at CCA’s private prison on Hubbard Road. County officials fear such a contract could reduce the number of federal inmates in the county jail.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com