Layoffs planned in spring for Mahoning Co. engineer's office

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Engineer’s office is seeking concessions from its Teamster union employees, which it says could reduce the number of layoffs it will have to impose this spring.

A Teamster’s union official said, however, his union is taking a disproportionate share of the department’s layoffs, and the union will have a certified public accountant examine the engineer’s finances, which are a matter of public record, to see how that office spends its money.

“Unfortunately, we are torn between purchasing salt and cold mix and other construction materials to keep the roads in good shape or keeping people on the payroll. It’s a terrible situation to be in,” said Marilyn Kenner, chief deputy county engineer.

Because of declining license plate fee revenue, the department tentatively plans to lay off 11 members of Teamsters Local 377 on April 1 if there are no union concessions, Kenner said.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com