Mahoning commissioners adopt one-month budget to begin 2010

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners today adopted a temporary general fund budget totaling just under $5 million for the first month of 2010.

For January, each county department has been allocated 1⁄12 of its 2009 spending through Dec. 27.

During January, county officials will attempt to negotiate additional concessions from county employees, which will be necessary to balance the 2010 budget, before they adopt a full-year spending plan, said Anthony T. Traficanti, chairman of the county commissioners.

Due to the recession, general fund revenues have been only $57,200,000 in 2009 — about $2.2 million less than expected — and they are projected to be about $57 million next year, said George J. Tablack, county administrator. “It will be a difficult year,” he said of 2010.

General fund spending will be about $61 million in 2009, Tablack said, adding that he believes the county will have cash balances to offset this year’s $3.8 million shortfall. “But, our carry-in will be minimal at best,” he said of leftover funds to be carried into 2010. “We need concessions across the board,” Tablack added.

The general fund is the county’s main operating fund, which supports the sheriff’s office, courts, prosecutor, elections board and many other county functions.

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