After more than three hours, lawyers, along with Mahoning County commissioners, emerged from the federal building in Cleveland.
Although Sheriff Randall Wellington wants to lay off off deputies and close half the county jail, nothing's been filed yet to amend the federal consent decree that's been in effect since 2007. That means the sheriff's plans are on hold, at least temporarily.
"It'll be delayed until we get a court order authorizing the layoffs," said County Prosecutor Paul Gains, who's representing the sheriff and commissioners.
That decree, which was issued to resolve a lawsuit over jail conditions, requires the sheriff to fully staff the lock-up and keep it open.
Officials said several times during the hearing, Judge Aaron Polster urged the city of Youngstown and Mahoning County to try to hammer out a compromise, something the prosecutor said they will start working toward.
"They're gonna both write something by the 26th, and if it doesn't work out, we'll be back on the 29th," said Commissioner David Ludt.
But Youngstown's Law Director Iris Guglucello said even if the two sides are able to make headway on their own, she anticipates the judge will end up playing a role.
"There's always things that can't be brought to finality without some feedback from the court," said Guglucello.
