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Niles finances soon to be online

NILES — Anyone interested in tracking spending in Niles can soon look at the city’s finances at ohiocheckbook.com, according to Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s Office.

The site will be a good tool for transparency, said officials, who plan to formally announce the city’s inclusion today — the same day when the information will be live for the public to see.

“It is important to have this checkbook to show the public we are acting with transparency. The website it great, anyone can look up what we are paying for, there is a wealth of information included,” said Treasurer Janet Rizer-Jones, who has been submitting documents to Mandel’s office for the website since shortly after she became treasurer in June.

Mayor Tom Scarnecchia said he intends to use the online database to review spending in the city, which operates with more than $70 million a year, but it’s really a tool for the public. It gives residents the chance to page through data and maybe offer suggestions on ways the city can get out of fiscal emergency, he said.

“I want them to see what we are spending, to know what we are up against and hopefully gain some trust in knowing that we aren’t trying to hide anything, but rather, trying to climb out of mess that the prior administration created when its unchecked spending depleted the city’s reserves,” Scarnecchia said.

The checkbook makes it easier for the public to inspect the spending choices in the city, said Councilman Barry Steffey, D-4th Ward.

“It is a move in the right direction, giving everyone a clear reference to actual checks written by the city. The treasurer’s office has worked hard to achieve this and I appreciate their efforts,” Steffey said.

Council President Robert Marino addressed the need for transparency multiple times during council meetings this year.

“Although it has taken far longer than I would have liked, I am pleased the city now has our financial expenditures readily available for our community. This is critically important to me,” Marino said.

The Ohio Checkbook is already used by four Trumbull County school districts, the educational service center and five local governments, including the county. Niles City Schools are working with the state to get their spending online, according to information from Mandel’s office.

Niles’ newest legislators have been seeking more transparency since taking office in January, said Councilman Ryan McNaughton, D-at large.

“This should go a long way in creating the transparency so many of us newly elected officials have been clamoring for. Voters and taxpayers deserve to know how their money is  being spent,” McNaughton said.

A demonstration on how to use the database will be 5:15 p.m. today at City Council Chambers. Officials with Mandel’s office are expected to attend.

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