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Two from Girard vie for county treasurer

Two Girard men are vying to become the next Trumbull County treasurer as Treasurer Sam Lamancusa, also of Girard, has chosen not to seek reelection.

Voters throughout the county will choose between Democrat James Melfi, a former longtime Girard mayor, and Republican Agostino Ragozzino, a political newcomer.

The county treasurer is responsible for collecting taxes and is the county’s investment officer. The elected official also serves as president of the Land Bank’s board of directors.

The term begins in September 2025.

JAMES MELFI

Melfi said his main priorities as county treasurer will be overseeing the collection of all property taxes on a timely basis, continuing to be responsive to all calls coming into the county, maintaining high quality investments and active participation in the Trumbull County Land Bank.

Melfi, who served as treasurer for Girard for 11 years and then as mayor for 24 years, has been a Girard businessman since 1983. He said he has the energy and desire to contribute and work in the county treasurer’s office with the staff and the citizens of the county.

He said he brings with him experience serving the public and experience as a treasurer.

Melfi said he is familiar with and has much experience with the Trumbull County Land Bank.

Melfi said he will maintain integrity and transparency, noting “more than ever before, property owners are seeking accountability for their tax dollars.” He said he, along with the deputy treasurer, will seek input from employees on a daily basis.

Melfi said as treasurer, he will consult on a regular basis with the county prosecutor’s office to make sure that all delinquent property taxes are on schedule for legal action.

Mefli said the land bank has played a major role in improving both residential and commercial property throughout the county.

“I look forward to bringing my vast experience and knowledge to make a contribution to the continued success of this important entity,” Melfi said.

Melfi, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, said as treasurer for Girard, he improved cash flow management by implementing more efficient forecasting and budgeting processes, and developed financial strategies for long-term growth, resulting in increased revenue and profitability.

Melfi said as Girard mayor, he managed the city budget effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources. He said as a longtime business owner, he has experience in government and leadership with a track record of fiscal responsibility

Melfi said as a self-employed business owner, he has worked to increase client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.

AGOSTINO RAGOZZINO

Ragozzino, who is a high school math teacher at John F. Kennedy Catholic School, and previously a bank manager, is marking his first time seeking public office.

He said his main priorities as county treasurer are public transparency and outreach, addressing delinquent tax collections and serving as a steady hand for Trumbull County.

Ragozzino said he will bring his finance and accounting background to the position, noting as a bank manager, he did a lot of business banking.

He said he wants to bring both accountability and transparency to the treasurer’s office

Raggozzino said as treasurer, he would educate the public on the operations of the office since the office interacts with the public on a day-to-day basis, and the justification for the methods used.

“I hope to serve as an advocate of lowering property tax rates for taxpayers,” he said.

He said as an educator, he wants to bring his passion for education with him to the treasurer’s office by working with the auditor’s office to create programs for high school students to better understand taxes and personal finance, making them more prepared to make smart financial decisions in adulthood.

Ragozzino, who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and a master’s degree in education, said he has spoken to many township trustees who are forced to place additional levies on the ballot because of poor tax collection rates.

He said as treasurer, he will be more aggressive with tax collections, especially on delinquent businesses. Ragozzino said the office will work with taxpayers who are unable to pay the total amount by setting up payment plans that are firm, but reasonable.

“Even a gradual increase in collections can go a long way in benefiting emergency services in townships,” Ragozzino said.

He said his experience in banking and finance give him the knowledge to manage the treasurer’s office overseeing a full-time staff, something he said he had experience doing.

Ragozzino said he will work to integrate his ideas into the existing scope of work.

Trumbull County treasurer race

James Melfi

RESIDENCE: Girard

AGE: 66

PARTY: Democrat

GOALS: Overseeing the collection of all property taxes on a timely basis, continuing to be responsive to all calls coming into the county, maintaining high quality investments, and active participation in the Trumbull County Land Bank.

Agostino Ragozzino

RESIDENCE: Girard

AGE: 53

PARTY: Republican

GOALS: Providing public transparency and outreach, addressing delinquent tax collections, creating programs for high school students to better understand taxes and personal finance and serving as a steady hand for Trumbull County.

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