Overview
- Mayor Tito Brown and State Rep. Lauren McNally sent letters asking Governor Mike DeWine to declare an energy emergency to access state support for temporary boilers, backup systems, fuel and inspections.
- McNally called the replacement boiler "wholly inadequate," saying some tenants still report little to no heat across roughly 27 buildings with about 90 residential units.
- City leaders rejected providing funding or entering a partnership, stating the city is only a customer and pressing for state intervention and stronger oversight.
- Receiver Reg Martin said durability requires either adding a second boiler or fixing the Youngstown State University connection that previously leaked along Rayen Avenue and Elm Street, with repairs described as the less costly option.
- PUCO has acknowledged statutory violations tied to SOBE, some businesses reported financial losses, three accounts will receive adjusted October bills, and the governor’s office has not publicly committed to action.