Richard Marsico reflects on career as Mahoning County engineer

YOUNGSTOWN — Richard A. Marsico, who retires Jan. 6 after 16 years as Mahoning County engineer, cites as accomplishments numerous road and bridge improvements, together with improvements in the efficiency, productivity and discipline of the engineer’s office.

When he took office in 1997, the department had a shortage of trucks and other equipment, which he

remedied early in his first term, Marsico recalled.

When he assumed office, the department had a staff of 177, which he reduced to 129 by June 1998. Today, the office has 71 employees. Most of the reduction was achieved by not replacing those who resigned or retired, but some occurred through layoffs.

With an annual budget of about $12 million, the department is responsible for maintenance and snow and ice removal on nearly 500 miles of county roads.

“At least 90 percent of the roads have been either reconstructed, repaved or improved with chip and seal,” during the past 16 years, Marsico said.

His office has secured more than $80 million in federal and state grants for Mahoning County projects during his four consecutive four-year terms in office.

“It’s been a long, rewarding career. I’ve enjoyed my engineering career,” Marsico said, adding that he intends to continue his educational requirements to maintain his engineering and surveying licenses.

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