Sheriff Randall Wellington sent a letter to Youngstown Municipal Court officials on Friday saying due to a 3 percent budget reduction, a large amount of employees on layoffs and jail pods closed, his office no longer will be able to provide video arraignments as of Feb. 6.
Sheriff officials said the move will not save money, but it will allow them to free up deputies for other duties. Youngstown Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Kobly said the sheriff's decision will cause a huge safety concern for the courts.
"Catastrophe is what is going through my mind and my colleagues," Judge Kobly said.
Jail officials said they have 23 less deputies this year than last.
"We are trying to continue providing those mandated jail services, like shakedowns, that we are struggling to do now. Shakedowns help find contraband and keep the jail safe for inmates," said Mahoning County Sheriff Major Alki Santamas.
Judge Kobly said the decision will raise safety concerns for the courts.
"The most dangerous of all the court proceedings is the initial appearance, the arraignment, but now we bring them into this woefully inadequate facility and it is scaring me," she said.
The change also means Youngstown police will have to transport prisoners to the court.
"Logistically, it causes us a lot more work, but my main concern is safety. No reason for us to transport prisoners unneccessarily. The technology makes it safer to leave inmates in a secured facility," said Youngstown Police Chief Rod Foley.
Youngstown officials are meeting Thursday to further discuss the issue.
