Police negotiations lag, layoffs loom

YOUNGSTOWN — The city administration is at a stalemate in negotiating an early-retirement buyout incentive with its patrol officers union, which could lead to layoffs at the police department.

The Youngstown Police Association union isn’t interested in discussing a proposed buyout offer, said Edward Colon, its president, unless the deal is similar to the one given to the department’s ranking officers union.

“I don’t think we’ll meet again,” he said.

If no progress is made very soon, the administration would be left with no alternative but to lay off patrol officers, Mayor Jay Williams said.

“Simply waiting and dragging this out isn’t a solution,” he said. “We don’t want to reduce the number of officers. We don’t want to layoff anyone, but this group needs to come to the table and continue to negotiate.”

The city would save money by eliminating higher-paid officers, Williams said. Because of the city’s financial situation, there is no guarantee that those leaving the force would be replaced.

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