Mahoning election board workers to pay more toward their retirement

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Board of Elections has voted to require its employees to pay 33 percent of their retirement contributions as part of the agency’s cost-cutting plan.

“It’s huge. I think it’s a good start,” Chairman Robert Wasko, one of the board’s two Democratic members, said after today's meeting.

Several board members said they believe the move might be one of the largest concessions ever made by any county department. It shows that the board is serious about maintaining fiscal responsibility, yet still being able to ensure residents will be provided with fair elections, they said.

Board members and staff will pay about one-third of their state Public Employees Retirement System contributions, estimated to save around $9,500 for the rest of this year, Wasko noted.

The four-member board also agreed to consolidate 14 of the county’s 287 voting precincts for the November election, which will save about $700 per precinct.

The plan calls for consolidating four precincts in Boardman, three in Austintown and one each in Springfield, Berlin, Ellsworth, Jackson and Green townships as well as Poland and Sebring villages.

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