County approves tax abatement for proposed senior housing

BY STACI WILSON

The county commissioners adopted a resolution at the Jan. 26 meeting, allowing for the Susquehanna County Housing and Redevelopment Authority approving payment in lieu of taxes for the proposed New Milford Senior Housing Project to be located onChurch St.,New Milford.

The commissioners also voiced their support of a proposal to addOaklandTownshipto the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway.

The scenic byway runs through towns and on roadways which connect the Starrucca Viaduct in Lanesboro and the Martin’s Creek Viaduct (NicholsonBridge) in Nicholson.

Hirings at the meeting included: William Conklin Jr., Clifford, was hired as a Case Aide in Children & Youth; and Donna Betters, Montrose, as a Clerk Typist in Children & Youth.

The commissioners accepted, with regret, the resignation of Kelly Staples from the 911 Department, effective Jan. 17.

The commissioners voted to sell a 1999 Ford Bus. Estimated value for the vehicle is under $1000. Sealed bids on the vehicle will be collected for a period of 10 days from the meeting, after which the vehicle will be awarded to the highest bidder or sold for current junk value, whichever is greater.

Audience member Bruce Paskoff requested the commissioners record public comments made during an open meeting in the meeting minutes.

“In four years there has never been a public comment recorded,” Paskoff said. “I ask the board to please reconsider (the practice). This is transparency, open government and required by law.”

Commissioner Alan Hall said the commissioners would review the practice.

The Salary Board, comprised of the three commissioners and County Treasurer Cathy Benedict voted to eliminate a 32-hour per week 911 dispatcher position and create a 40-hour per week position.