Feb 11, 2021 We, like some members of Youngstown City Council and probably many city residents, are wondering what the Youngstown clerk of courts was thinking when she decided to hand out promotions and huge raises to 11 employees — particularly when finances are tight amid a pandemic. Sarah Brown-Clark, Youngstown clerk of courts, promoted or increased the salaries of 11 employees, with raises as high as 44.3 percent, between Sept. 14 and Jan. 4. The raises totaled $91,439. The move rightfully drew outrage from some members of city council. We realize, as Brown-Clark stated, that the clerk of courts has the ability to set and adjust clerks’ pay scales, and we realize that she felt strongly the raises were warranted.