Sunday, December 14, 2014
News out of Trumbull County last week on the potential merger of two distinct sets of taxpayer-financed public services holds promise toward reinforcing the good-government front in the Mahoning Valley.
Specifically, Trumbull County commissioners last Thursday discussed proposals to merge the county’s dog kennel with the Animal Welfare League and to integrate the Warren Police Department into the countywide 911 emergency response network.
Commissioners Frank Fuda, Daniel Polivka and Mauro Cantalamessa have proposed a deal in which the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County would assume authority over the care and housing of dogs currently being handled by the county dog kennel in Howland.
The new $5 million, 47,000 square-foot shelter and education center opened in Vienna in June to rave reviews and would offer more space and greater opportunities for the growing population of abandoned and homeless animals.
NOT A DONE DEAL
Although some funding hurdles must still be overcome to facilitate the influx of new animals, Veterinarian Jeff Williams, president of the AWL board, said he believes his group and county commissioners will continue to discuss various ways to make the merger happen.
On the other merger front, Trumbull County 911 Director Ernie Cook discussed the proposal to move Warren’s police dispatchers to the county’s 911 center, which would save the city an estimated $500,000 per year.
In the interest of potential betterment of public services, cost savings for cash-strapped local governments and improved operational efficiencies, we hope both plans gain traction.