Economic realities hit home for sheriff’s employees, CSB

With layoffs looming in the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, and with the county commissioners poised to smack down the Children Services Board over the issue of pay raises, actions were taken that should pacify taxpayers who resent public sector spending.

Employees in the sheriff’s department agreed to concessions, including a freeze of every monetary benefit through 2011, thus preventing the furlough of 14 deputies on Dec. 26.

The CSB and the Communications Workers of America Local 4300 agreed to set aside the 3 percent annual pay raises that were awaiting approval of commissioners Anthony Traficanti, David Ludt and John McNally. Given Traficanti’s criticism of the raises as “unconscionable,” and Ludt’s contention that the economic recession warrants a pay freeze, the chances of the agreement being approved were slim.

Like many taxpayers, especially those in the private sector, we have long criticized the sheer myopia of some public employees when it comes to wages, benefits and pensions. At a time of high unemployment, resulting in declining tax revenues, government must adapt.

The decisions by the gold, blue and civilian units in the sheriff’s departments and the union workers in the CSB to accept concessions or temper their demands for more money are a teachable moment for other public sector employees. The collapse of the national economy has sent regions like the Mahoning Valley into a financial tailspin. Recovery is not around the corner, and everyone must use plan and spend prudently.

The restraint demonstrated by the employees of the sheriff’s department is heartening, especially during this season of sharing. To accuse Sheriff Randall Wellington of being a grinch or of blackmailing the employees by announcing layoffs on Dec. 26 was to ignore the reality of the county’s financial condition.

Unlike the past when department heads were able to go to the commissioners and secure additional funding, this year is different. Officeholders received ample notice that they had to live within their means.

Wellington, obviously relieved that the brass had followed the blue and civilian units in approving a one-year agreement worked out by a factfinder, said he was proud of the decision.

Denise Stewart, CSB executive director, said the board and the union “understand and appreciate the economic climate in the country.”

Levy renewal

It’s a good thing they do — given that the pay raises for the 115 employees were approved just two weeks after voters renewed a 0.85-mill real-estate tax levy that generates $1.75 million.

As we pointed out in a recent editorial that urged the commissioners to reject the raises, the CSB did not publicly reveal that employees would receive more money in their paychecks if the levy were renewed. We also speculated that had this information been known, the issue would have been soundly defeated. The post-election raises endangered passage of future levies.