Mahoning County commissioners did not approve Clerk of Courts Michael Ciccone's request for an additional $100,000, according to WKBN. The amount was just under 10% of the clerk's office budget for the year.
Ciccone did not attend a Wednesday meeting where the request was discussed; his chair was empty. Commissioner Geno DiFabio said he could not believe the clerk was absent when seeking a budget addition and that an elected official should present the case. Commissioners told clerk's office representatives that Ciccone could reschedule. Commissioner Anthony Trafficanti said they wanted to speak with the clerk directly.
DiFabio also said he had concerns about the office and was not prepared to provide another $100,000 without explanations. The report notes recent problems with late bills, transaction processing and the clerk saying he would not resign.
Commissioners approved about $15,000 for all county courts because a Friday deadline for necessary filings was approaching. They said office staff appear to work hard and that they want better communication with Ciccone. Trafficanti said he hopes the clerk understands the need to get the office functioning properly. Ciccone must decide what to do next.