Consulting firm recommends major overhaul of Youngstown government operations
YOUNGSTOWN — A consulting firm is recommending a major overhaul of the city’s government operations in an effort to eliminate what it projects to be a $5.5 million operating deficit by the end of next year.
That deficit would grow to $6 million by 2017, and $28 million over that five-year period, according to a $250,000, 29-page study from The PFM Group.
David Eichenthal, the group’s director of management and budget consulting, spent about four months on the study, and presented the findings today to city officials and the media.
There are about 50 recommendations in the study ranging from consolidating departments to slashing the court system to hiring a chief administration officer and professional auditor to increasing health-insurance premiums for city workers.
“We want to put the city on the road to recovery,” Eichenthal said. “We believe our proposals will put the city in a better position.”
For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com