[September 05, 2008]

Warren, Ohio, seeks ways to raise revenue

(Vindicator (Youngstown, OH) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sep. 5--WARREN -- The possibility that 200 additional jobs will come to Warren this year and a possible increase in costs paid in Warren Municipal Court are among the revenue increases Mayor Michael O'Brien hopes will help the city with its budget problems.

At a meeting of Warren City Council's Finance Committee, O'Brien said Thursday the city is on the short list of two companies that may add $5 million in annual payroll, $2.5 million each. That would result in additional income tax collections for the city.

He declined to offer any additional information but said he expects to know more within a couple of weeks about these and other revenue streams.

Part of the meeting was given over to Judges Thomas Gysgem and Terry Ivanchak of municipal court and Clerk of Courts Peggy Scott, who said court fees have not increased since 2003.

As an example, court costs of $86 could be increased to $125, which would produce more revenue for the city, Scott said.

She noted the court is on a pace to have about 1,000 fewer criminal cases this year but about 400 more civil cases, resulting in a net decrease in court fees paid to the city.

Gysegem noted the city subsidizes the courts between $400,000 to $700,000 per year, while the three townships that use the court -- Howland, Warren and Champion -- pay nothing.

He said it makes sense for the townships to pay part of the cost, but it would take a change in Ohio law to make that happen.

The judges and city officials said they will continue to try to find a less-expensive way to provide security in the court, possibly having retired police officers handle that task instead of city police officers.

Personnel Director Gary Cicero said talks with the policeman's union on the issue are ongoing.

In July, Auditor David Griffing told the committee the city would be $1.75 million in debt if nothing was done to increase revenue.

But Cicero said the city purposely has not filled four positions in the fire department and four in the operations department this year, and that will save the city thousands.

The city also is eliminating nearly $40,000 per month by cutting almost all overtime in the police and fire departments.

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