Youngstown council members watch expenses

YOUNGSTOWN —¬†With the city facing a financial crisis that could lead to as many as 60 job cuts, city council members chose to postpone some routine purchases.

“The public’s perception is we’re still spending,” said Councilman Jamael Tito Brown, D-3rd and vice chairman of council’s finance committee. “We need to take a look at everything.”

That resulted in city council opting today to delay the $97,111 purchase of three wastewater treatment plant trucks.

It also postponed approval of an $81,445 contract with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for air pollution control services.

Council typically approves requests such as these with little, if any, discussion.

With the city facing a projected deficit in its general fund budget of up to $4.5 million by the end of next year, council members say they are watching every penny.

Also, council is looking to make budget cuts to save money and reduce the number of layoffs proposed by the city administration.

The city hasn’t identified which jobs will be cut. The layoffs are supposed to be implemented by July 1.

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