WARREN, Ohio - A government watchdog committee made up of a group of citizens from Trumbull County wants an update from county commissioners about recommendations the group made last year that could save the county money. 

Volunteers from a Trumbull County citizen budget committee want to know why county commissioners haven't met with them in over a year to update them over recommendations made to help the county save money.

Commissioners say they have implemented some of those recommendations; including the hiring of an administrator and finding ways to save on energy costs, including using automatic lighting.

"We're looking at our boilers, our heating, we're looking at energy savings," said Commissioner Dan Polivka.

Commissioner Frank Fuda says as recommended, they even sent employees to Lean Ohio Boot Camp, a program that teaches workers to be more efficient.

"We spent $18,000 on that. But I really don't think it had that much effect. We spent the money and it was a good program, but I don't think it made much of a difference as far as what the workers are doing," said Fuda.

Commissioners say they're still waiting for other recommendations to pay off.

"We are doing a full audit of all of our fees and merchant services to make sure we are in line with like-size counties whether it be by demographic, population or income," said Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa.

A lot of these cost-saving measures involve county employees, but changing things in a union contract can be difficult.

The committee wanted an adjustment of employee work schedules along with sick and vacation day policies and the elimination of retiree life insurance coverage.

The county administrator says she is trying to set up a meeting between the commissioners and the committee when both their schedules allow for it.