Youngstown ranking officers can sign up for early retirement

YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s ranking police officers can start signing up today for an early retirement buyout incentive.

The city’s board of control approved legislation today to offer the incentive — one year’s salary spread evenly over five years to those wanting to leave the department.

The city administration is offering the deal to save money and reduce, and possibly eliminate, layoffs in the department.

Because of financial problems, the city cut $655,000 from the police department’s budget this year. That is equivalent to 22 to 26 officers losing their jobs.

Detective sergeants, sergeants, lieutenants and captains can begin signing up for the incentive today.

Most of those taking the deal will be off the city payroll in about two months.

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