YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A number of department heads gave an overview of their budgets to Youngstown Council members Tuesday afternoon.

Judge Carla Baldwin told council members the courts had a one time saving of around $30,000 since visiting judges were not needed during the pandemic.

The courts do need to hire a full-time victim's advocate though due to a state mandate.

"With the advent of Marcy's law, the constitutional amendment requires courts now notify victims and victims have rights. We need to have somebody on staff who can help facilitate those things for the court," said Judge Baldwin.

Judge Baldwin hopes the courts will be able to pay for the victim advocate's salary entirely through grants.

She told 21 News that Youngstown Municipal Court is the only court in the Tri-County area without a victim's advocate.