Portions of the Southern Park Mall were closed on Monday morning, Nov. 3 due to apparent issues with the mall’s security staff. Local public officials were told as early as last Saturday there could be issues with the mall over its security staff’s payroll and staff members not getting paid. Anchor stores JCPenney and Macy’s were open in the morning, as they are staffed by their own security. The temporary closing heightened concerns the mall could close permanently due to unpaid property taxes and electric bills, with some suggesting the management of the facility has told some tenants to cease paying their bills as the property owners are not paying their bills for electric. When Boardman Township officials have inquired about unpaid property taxes, the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office has noted no action can be taken, ‘due to precedent’ until property taxes are at least two years overdue.