CSB levy placed on Nov. ballot

Construction begins Monday on a Boardman bridge rehabilitation project.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners have placed a 1-mill, five-year county Children Services Board property-tax renewal on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The levy brings in $2.8 million to $3 million annually for the board, which serves abused and neglected children, said Daniel Thomas, CSB fiscal officer.

The levy is one of three local property-tax levies, which together supply half of CSB’s $16 million to $17 million annual operating expenses. The other levies are 0.85- and 0.5-mill taxes. The other half of CSB’s budget comes from state and federal funds.

“With all the state budget cuts that everyone is facing, our levy- tax dollars are really critical for the ability of our agency to function,” said Denise Stewart, CSB director.

On Thursday, the commissioners also awarded a $435,900 contract to Marucci and Gaffney Excavating Co. of Youngstown for the Glenbridge Enhancement Project in Boardman, which is funded by federal stimulus money.

The work will begin Monday on the bridge, which carries Glenwood Avenue over the Newport Drive entrance to Mill Creek Park. The project includes refacing the bridge’s brick facade and installation of sidewalks, decorative railings and decorative lighting.

The commissioners also approved a $19,880 agreement with Thyssen Krupp Elevator Corp. to repair and restore to service an elevator at Oakhill Renaissance Place and a $2,000 agreement with Austintown Precision Welding for kitchen equipment repairs in the county jail.

Commissioner John A. McNally IV said he hopes a local library levy will be on the agenda for the commissioners’ consideration at their next meeting, which will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in the county courthouse basement.