Mahoning County Prosecutor, Gina DeGenova tells 21 News that despite an increase in services, the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office has reduced its overall expenditures this year.

DeGenova says the office has reduced its expenditures by over $200,000 and that there are a multitude of reasons her office could still increase its services for the public.

Firstly, DeGenova says she opted not to hire new administrative assistant and there were a few other positions she chose not to replace. Additionally, she opted to hire just one chief assistant with her filling the role as the second one along with her role as county prosecutor.

In addition to these staffing decisions, a lot of new programs were made possible not by taxpayers, but by other entities donating their time and resources to the Prosecutor's Office.

For example, the Prosecutor's Office began its comfort dog in training program this year. The training for this dog is valued at $17,000, but Dogsmartz Unleashed owner, Jenny Falvey is providing the training absolutely free.

Plus, Blackwood Dog Food Company is providing food for the dog, so there is no extra expense there.

In addition, the Prosecutor's Office began its self defense program known as STOP this year. The program was the result of a collaboration with community partners at Mercy Health.

Mercy Health Police Chief, Ryan Bonacci is donating his time and services to the program at no cost to taxpayers.

DeGenova tells 21 News she intends to launch even more services and programs in the coming year, but does not want to release any details just yet. For now, DeGenova wants to highlight her team that made this all possible.

"It's a team effort and we have an amazing team at the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office," DeGenova said.