Study will help improve Youngstown’s efficiency

Study will help improve Youngstown’s efficiency

YOUNGSTOWN

City council approved hiring a firm to evaluate and improve how city government operates.

Wednesday’s approval was a formality as the PFM Group, which is conducting the study, started interviewing city department heads on April 9.

The company will receive $250,000 for the study with the city providing $150,000 of it.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Raymond John Wean Foundation are each giving $50,000 toward the cost of the study.

“It’s going to make the city more efficient,” said Councilwoman Janet Tarpley, D-6th. “It’s a small price to pay if you’re going to improve city services.”

The study is part of the city’s involvement in the federal Strong Cities, Strong Communities [SC2] initiative.

The program is designed to give struggling cities the needed resources to spur economic development and operational efficiency.

Youngstown is among seven cities selected by the federal government for the SC2 program.

The study will examine city operations to reduce expenses, and provide short-term and long-term recommendations throughout the year.

“The study will analyze how we use resources and if we’re operating effectively,” said city Law Director Anthony Farris.