State auditor’s office expresses concerns over MVSD refunds

August 28, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The Auditor of State’s Office is expressing its concerns about the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District’s plans to refund $5 million to Youngstown, Niles and McDonald.

According to 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, Chief Deputy Auditor Robert Hinkle sent a letter to two judges overseeing the Valley’s major water supplier. In it, he referred to several items that MVSD Secretary/Treasurer Alan Tatlovich spelled out in a letter he sent to the auditor last December.

Although Hinkle said the responsibilities of the auditor’s office don’t include legal analysis or advice, he did note the office is concerned about the issues surrounding the refund of the surplus funds.

“We at the Auditor of State’s Office share the expressed concerns of the District and the interest of the courts in preserving the fiscal integrity of the MVSD for the benefit and protection of the many communities and citizens which it serves,” Hinkle wrote.

Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Lou D’Apolito and Trumbull Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald Rice will preside over a hearing Tuesday over the MVSD board’s decision to issue the refunds.

Some argue that the surplus funds should be used to retire bonds, reduce the rate assessment or accomplish other strategic goals of the water district. Some argue as well that all communities that receive MVSD water should share in any refunds awarded.

YSU energy lectures

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown State University Lecture Series on Energy and the Environment kicks off its fourth year with an array of presentations on topics ranging from Beach Buddies to air pollution.

The lectures, sponsored in part by the James Dale Ethics Center, are at 7 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Sept. 6 in Room B100 of Cushwa Hall on campus, except for two presentations on Thursdays, Oct. 5 and 12. The talks are free and open to the public.

The lecture series is organized by Ray Beiersdorfer, YSU distinguished professor of geology.

To view the schedule, visit ysu.edu/news/lecture-series-energy-and-environment-kicks-fourth-year.

For information, contact Beiersdorfer at 330-941-1753 or ray@cc.ysu.edu.

Disc golf tourney

BOARDMAN

Boardman Park will host the 2017 Ace Race Disc Golf Tournament at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 9.

The entry fee is $30, which includes the cost of two Ace Race discs to be used the day of the tournament.

Prizes will be awarded.

For more information, email Shawn Golden at shawngolden@gmail.com or call the park office at 330-726-8105.

Event proceeds will benefit the park’s disc golf course.