Youngstown council considers passing temporary budget Wednesday

YOUNGSTOWN — The city administration is seeking city council’s approval Wednesday to spend money during the first three months of 2009 while work is done to avoid a $3.5 million projected deficit for next year.

The city typically passes a quarterly budget in December for the first three months of the following year, said Finance Director David Bozanich. The administration then gives council a proposed full-year budget in early January. After budget hearings with department officials, council approves a final budget in March.

“I’m very concerned about 2009,” Bozanich said.

He’s projecting a $3.5 million shortfall for next year.

“I’m looking at ways to reduce that,” he said.

Without cuts or revenue increases, the city would have to lay off about 60 to 80 employees to make up that projected deficit.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com