Mahoning deputies's union seeks audit of county finances

YOUNGSTOWN — The union that represents Mahoning County deputy sheriffs said it would pay for its own audit of the county’s books because deputies aren’t sure of the true status of county finances.

Deputy Glenn Kountz, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 141, which represents the deputies, also said his union will try to get a new sales tax on the November ballot dedicated solely to sheriff’s department operations. The amount has not yet been determined.

The FOP is facing the lay off of 86 deputies and two civilian employees in the sheriff’s department as half the jail closes June 6 due to the county’s financial woes.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com