If Youngstown continues the program, it will lose state funding for its local government fund

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Youngstown’s law director says the city is ending the use of its speed cameras at the end of the month.

It comes because of a state law, which reduces funding for cities, towns or villages that operate red light or speed cameras.

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” Whether or not we want to continue to rely on Optotraffic monies for certain expenditures or if we want the local government fund monies and Kyle Miasek, the finance director, believes that we would be better off at this juncture having the local government fund monies,” said Attorney Jeff Limbian. “It’s a terrible predicament to be in.”

Youngstown began its speed camera program in 2015. The city anticipates making $2 million this year from speed violations from the cameras, but that means a reduction in money given to the local government fund if they continue it.

Youngstown’s police Chief Robin Lees made a case for the program earlier this week, saying that since they implemented it, there has been a 30% drop in crashes on the freeway.

Revenue from tickets issued by the cameras was going to the police department’s fleet.