Youngstown judges drop $500K security request to help with budget

YOUNGSTOWN — Because of the city’s financial problems, the municipal court judges dropped a $500,000 increase in their budget for security.

“I don’t see the city in the position to pay” for additional security, Elizabeth A. Kobly, the court’s presiding and administrative judge, told city council’s finance committee today. “We’re trying to do our part [to reduce the city’s expenses]. We’ll try to make due with what we have and hope nothing bad happens.”

The decision by the judges to drop the $500,000 request still leaves the city with a projected deficit. But instead of looking to make up $2.5 million, city officials will need to close a projected $2 million gap in this year’s general fund.

Council will meet March 31 to approve the 2010 budget.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com