County proposes tax decrease

BY STACI WILSON

Property owners in Susquehanna County can expect to see a two mill savings in their 2014 tax bills.

The final county budget is expected to be adopted at the Thursday, Dec. 26 commissioners’ meeting.

Act 13 funds received by the county are being used to finance the tax credit. While the overall tax bills will be lowered, the reduction is technically not a reduction in the overall millage.

In Susquehanna County, one tax mill brings in about $1.6 million to the county coffers.

The commissioners normally meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, but Christmas falls on the fourth Wednesday this year so the meeting was rescheduled.

A Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study will be conducted in the county from Dec. 11 to May 30.

The study tracks the federally identified hazardous materials that are transported through the county on the interstate, rail and local roadways.
The total cost of the study is $7,000 and is funded by grants.

After accepting the resignation of 9-1-1 dispatcher Nancy Tator, the commissioners immediately hired her to the Training and Quality Assurance Supervisor, a non-union position.

Wilma Schuler was hired as Head Real Estate Clerk in the Assessment Office; and the commissioners acknowledge the hiring of Arleta Kipar as Second Deputy Clerk of Courts in by Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts Susan Eddleston.

The commissioners also made several appointments to both the Conservation District Board of Directors and the Susquehanna County Housing and Redevelopment Authority board.

Brian Severcool, of Springville, and Curtis Hepler, of Hallstead, were both reappointed to serve on the Conservation District Board for the term starting Jan. 1, 2014 and ending Dec. 31, 2017.

Severcool serves as a Farmer Director on the board, while Hepler serves as a Public Director.

Commissioner Mary Ann Warren was reappointed to serve on the board as a Commissioner Director for a one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2014.

Paul Lukus, of Forest City, was reappointed to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2014 and ending Dec. 31, 2018.

Elaine Andusko, of Hallstead, was appointed to the Housing and Redevelopment Board to fill an unexpired term, Nov. 23 through Dec. 31, 2015.

The commissioners also signed a one-year maintenance agreement with Reeds Generator Service, of Jackson, for 2014 at a cost of $1,525.

The county is accepting bids for two vehicles: a 2007 Chevrolet Impala (unmarked) and a 2008 Chevrolet Impala Police Sedan (unmarked).

Sealed bids for a 2006 Ford Explorer were opened. The bid for the vehicle was awarded to Benjamin Ely who submitted a bid of $2,610.

The salary board voted to create a Jury Manager/Clerical Assistant, a non-union, full-time position. The job will pay $11-$14 per hour, depending on experience.

The retirement board also convened voting to sign interim amendments to the Susquehanna County Retirement System and Trust as required by the IRS under the Voluntary Correction Program to correct untimely amendments to the plan document.

Commissioner Alan Hall explained that part of the changes have to do with military leave; and other changes have to with provisions that would not allow retirees to collect above the maximum distribution.

Hall said county pensions are not affected by the IRS provision which, he said, sets maximum collections at about $200,000 per year. But Hall added, all counties were required to adopt the amendments to meet the IRS requirements.