Metro digest

Payment plan for taxes

YOUNGSTOWN — Those who’ve fallen behind in their property-tax payments because they’re lost their jobs are being urged to contact the Mahoning County treasurer’s office immediately to arrange a payment plan. To get on such a plan, the property owner must initiate the request, said county Treasurer Lisa Antonini. People on payment plans, which can extend to five years, aren’t charged additional penalties and interest as long as they abide by the agreement, she said. The treasurer’s office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of the county courthouse, 120 Market St.

Bond-issue discussion

AUSTINTOWN — An informative meeting to discuss the upcoming bond issue will be at 6:30 tonight at Austintown Middle School.

Members of the school board will be on hand to answer any questions as well as provide information on the issue, which will be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. The meeting is open to the public, and those who live in the school district are encouraged to attend.

Violence awareness

LISBON — The Columbiana County commissioners on Wednesday proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Nickie Ostick, the victims’ outreach coordinator for Christina House, the women’s shelter in Lisbon, said that violence is going down. There was no jump in cases because of the poor economy, she said. Court protective orders and prosecutions for abuse have helped reduce cases.

Local events will be later in the month. In 2010, domestic violence awareness month will move to May, because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.