By PETER H. MILLIKEN
milliken@vindy.com
YOUNGSTOWN
Mahoning County is not in danger of defaulting on its debt this year, but some of it will have to be refinanced, the county’s chief deputy auditor says.
“It is going to be difficult for the county to make these debt payments that are due. ... It’s going to take some maneuvering to make sure we get that covered,” said Carol McFall, chief deputy auditor.
“We have two large short-term debt obligations due this year,” McFall said. They are a one-year $4 million health benefits claim note and a $2.5 million note taken out in 2007 against anticipated sales-tax collections.
Both are scheduled to be paid in full this year, but the county can’t afford to do that, McFall said. “That’s why we’re going to have to roll something over,” she explained.
A $4 million sales tax note issued last year will be due in 2013, she added.
“We’ve got to get ourselves off the short-term debt borrowing. We’re living beyond our means,” McFall added.
“We have to start bringing more money in and we have to maintain and keep cutting costs wherever we can,” she said.
Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.
Comments
Raising the income tax along with property taxes is the logical solution . Perhaps some of those vacant properties could be advertised and sold to out of town suckers also . Then charge them for the demolition .
Nothing changes except the taxpayers that actually go to work are being asked to pay more taxes to the 3rd or 4th welfare generation. The public servant group doesn't want to contribute anything towards their benefits with a goal of getting a permanent disability payment.
The highest tax rates around and it's still not enough. Spending beyond their means. I guess they still can't figure it out. Ever wonder why Youngstown is a place people are from and not a place where people go?
The solution is simple, get rid of McFall.
It is not right that she should actually say that we are spending money we do not have. Doesn't go with the thinking of government in the valley.
There are actual taxpayers out here that can absorb the deficit !!!
Where is Sciortino and why is McFall doing his job??? TCB!
In reply to CCADTI, I agree, not only Y-Town but a lot of communities live beyong their means. This is a very serious problem our elected officials and public must deal with. I will disagree on the other comment. I love going to Y-Town as do a lot of friends. You have a lot to offer such as entertainment, culture, shopping and events. You live in a great city. Although it seems population and infastructure are on the decline, you keep up. Even if you are not, I am happy to call Youngstown a great place.