Layoffs, service cuts in store for Mahoning Co. Mental Health Board agencies

YOUNGSTOWN — State funding cuts have forced county mental health agencies to lay off employees and reduce services.

The Mahoning County Mental Health Board, facing $3.1 million in cuts primarily from the Ohio Department of Mental Health, reduced allocations to its five core agencies a combined $1,235,792 for fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) compared to fiscal year 2009.

The county health board received funding from federal state and local levy sources totaling $14,091,369 in fiscal 2009 compared to $10,986,122 expected in fiscal 2010, a reduction of $3,105,247 in its overall fiscal 2010 budget of $18,757,784, said Toni M. Notaro, administrative director.