Summary
A resident and multiple county commissioners clashed during public comment over the county—s recent purchase of the 50,000-square-foot Patriot Building, raising questions about cost, relocation of county offices and the fate of the Oak Hill facility. Commissioners said no final decision has been made and staff are working on options.
A resident of Austintown criticized Mahoning County—s recent purchase of the Patriot Building and accused commissioners of making a politically motivated decision that would displace employees and burden taxpayers.
The resident, who gave the address 6696 New Road, Austintown, said the county paid about $2.5 million for the 50,000-square-foot property and estimated another $1.5 million in renovations, calling the sale of Oak Hill a "travesty." "We got it for 2.5," the resident said. "They said we would be in it September ... 6 to 8 months ... that's a lie." The resident also said recreating the building at today—s cost would be about $16 million.
Why it matters: The Patriot Building purchase touches county operations and facilities spending that affect employees and services located at Oak Hill and other county-owned buildings. Commissioners did not vote on moving staff at the meeting; instead they exchanged public remarks and said they were developing a plan.
Commissioners responded during the public-comment period and the later for-the-good-of-the-order segment. Commissioner Nancy (role: Mahoning County Commissioner) said she had asked for more time before the purchase and disputed the resident—s timeline for renovations, saying plans and schedules differ. "I talked to the port authority. It didn't have to be done that day," Nancy said. She added that renovations would take longer and cost more than the six-to-eight-month timetable the resident cited.
Commissioner Gino (role: Mahoning County Commissioner) said officials have discussed buildings regularly and are working toward what he described as decisions in the residents' best interest, including care for veterans housed at Oak Hill. "We haven't decided what we're doing yet," Gino said. "We'll come to a decision on what we're going to do. My vote will be for the best interests of the residents."
Commissioner Carol (role: Mahoning County Commissioner) said she favored keeping services in the city for agencies rooted in Youngstown and reminded attendees the board would continue to review options. "When you have outside agencies that are not involved in the city, then those are the agencies that should be transported to another area," she said, noting rent paid for leased spaces countywide.
Details and context: At the meeting the resident described a prior county assessment that examined utilities, age, equipment and return on investment across county facilities and said the consensus at that time supported buying the Patriot Building to consolidate small offices now spread across multiple rented or county buildings. The resident listed multiple functions that could move into the building including building inspections, planning, a conference room and training center, and suggested tenants such as JobsOhio and the Mahoning Columbiana Technical Career Center could relocate from leased space.
What the board did: No formal motion or vote was taken on the Patriot Building at this meeting. Commissioners said they are working on a plan and that further discussion and decisions would follow. Multiple commissioners urged public engagement and noted the county will address details, costs and resident impact before taking formal action.
Matters for follow-up: Commissioners said they will develop options for the Patriot Building and Oak Hill, including renovation estimates, space planning and potential relocation timelines. No date for a formal decision was provided at the meeting.
