WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners are hoping to bring the county engineer and auditor together in a meeting to settle differences in the transfer of the county’s tax map from the auditor’s office to the engineer’s office.

The two sides have for nearly a year been going through the process of moving employees and equipment to the engineer’s office, as is required by state law. The tax map office has been operated out of the auditor’s office since 2000.

The office reviews and approves surveys done by professional surveyors that indicate boundary lines for the county, reviews property descriptions and does custom mapping, deed transfers and approvals.

However, the Ohio Revised Code states that tax map offices should be operated by county engineer offices.

A tentative proposal previously was agreed upon that would transfer two auditor’s office employees to the engineer. Under the proposal, the employees will be able to keep their health insurance that was negotiated by the union representing the auditor office union.

Auditor Martha Yoder, however, insists that the geographic information system (GIS), remains with her office.

Engineer David DeChristofaro argues the GIS mapping system is an integral part in the operation of the county tax map and should be transferred to his office.

Yoder responded the GIS system contains many layers above and beyond the tax map layer that her office uses for appraisals and other purposes. She also argues Ohio Revised Code states tax maps are to be used by the county’s board of revision and the auditor, and therefore should be kept in the auditor’s office.

DeChristofaro recently told Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Bill Danso that he wanted to hire an outside attorney to seek a resolution to the debate. Last week, Danso told commissioners if they agree to provide an attorney for DeChristofaro, Yoder also would likely request having an attorney hired to represent her interest.

The county prosecutor’s office cannot be involved in any litigation because the county typically represents both offices.

Danso recommended the commissioners seek a legal opinion from the Ohio Attorney General’s office on the merits of each side of the debate.

On Tuesday, Danso said DeChristofaro expressed a willingness to wait for an attorney general’s opinion before seeking private representation.

Bernard questioned how long it normally takes for opinions to be returned.

“It could take up to six months or so,” Danso replied.

Commissioner Denny Malloy said neither side should be allowed to hire attorneys who would be paid for by the county until both agree to meet with one another in an effort to settle their difference outside of a courtroom.

“It would be in the best interest of the taxpayers to do that,” Malloy said.

Commissioner Rick Hernandez said he is willing to reach out to the auditor to determine her interest in a meeting.

Danso said the two sides could agree to obtain an informal opinion from the attorney general’s office.