Schuylkill devotes grant funds to fighting blight

Schuylkill County has committed all but $105,000 of a $1.4 million state grant to tear down dilapidated buildings.

The county received the grant through the state Department of Community and Economic Development in January 2017.

About 94 structures have been demolished so far, said County Administrator Gary R. Bender.

“We are very happy with the cooperation we’re getting from local municipalities,” he said.

As of Wednesday, there were $221,000 in bids still out.

“I certainly want to thank all the municipalities that cooperated with us. We got some great pricing, too, so I’m very happy,” Bender said.

He thanked state Sen. David G. Argall for his work in getting the grant for the county.

County commissioners are happy, too.

“It’s a very successful program,” Commissioners’ Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said.

“When we first came in seven years ago, there wasn’t much money in demolition, even when there was a disaster, an emergency, a fire,” said Commissioner Gary J. Hess.

“So when municipalities asked for money, it was hard to find,” he said.

“We’re definitely working some more revenue to come in so we can do a larger job,” he said.

Hess praised the grant for helping to rejuvenate communities and increase the assessed value.

In other matters Wednesday, commissioners, with Commissioner Frank J. Staudenmeier absent, approved an addendum to the county’s $441,096 PA Counties Risk Pool contract for insurance for property, auto and liability from June 1 through June 1, 2019.

The premium will be paid in three payments, with 40 percent this month, and 30 percent each in September and December.

Commissioners also approved increasing the threshold for purchase orders to $500 from $250.

The threshold increase means that department heads can buy supplies and office equipment priced $500 or less without asking Finance Director Paul E. Buber and Financial Analyst Christopher Kerns.

“They’re going for more efficiency,” said Controller Christy D. Joy.