Meacham puts public first, rescinds 4-day work week

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Auditor Ralph T. Meacham has canceled the option for his employees to work four 10-hour shifts a week, effective May 4.

That option was contained in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2533 labor contract for auditor’s office employees, which was ratified by union members Jan. 9, but it was contingent on the elected auditor’s approval.

Meacham became county auditor March 3, after his predecessor, Michael V. Sciortino, was suspended Feb. 23 by a three-judge panel based on allegations against Sciortino in the Oakhill Renaissance Place criminal-conspiracy case.

Meacham had unseated Sciortino in last November’s election to win a four-year term that began in March.

“I didn’t feel we could adequately serve the taxpayers” using the four-day option, Meacham said this week.