Judge Belinky of Mahoning probate court asks for less money in 2012

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge Mark Belinky of Mahoning County Probate Court is authorized to spend up to $885,600 from the county’s general fund this year, but he’s only asking for $844,152 from it for 2012.

“We just think it’s prudent to do that. We’re trying to cut back expenses. We haven’t filled a vacancy,” he said. “We have other funds that we can utilize in balancing our budget,” Judge Belinky said, referring to income from court filing fees.

The judge said he does not plan to give court employees pay raises next year.

The court’s budget hearing today was one of a series of such sessions the commissioners are having with department heads as they set spending priorities and prepare to enact next year’s budget later this month.

Departmental budget requests total more than $67 million, but the county budget commission has certified only $47.9 million in general-fund revenue for next year. The general fund is the county’s main operating fund.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com